Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s both crispy and packed with bold flavor, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is a game-changer. I love how it takes cauliflower — a humble vegetable — and turns it into spicy little bites that rival any buffalo wing. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that perfect crunch without the messy deep-frying, which makes it a winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

This recipe is great when you want a healthier twist on classic buffalo wings or just need a fun appetizer to wow your friends. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to treats for game days or whenever those spicy, crunchy cravings hit.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity with Impact: With just a handful of ingredients, you get amazing spicy, crispy cauliflower every time.
Air Fryer Magic: Achieves perfect crunch without excess oil or mess — healthier and faster.
Balanced Coating: The flour and cornstarch combo locks in the sauce and delivers that signature crispy crust.
Versatile Flavor Base: Infused with garlic powder and a touch of salt to enhance the buffalo heat.

A white plate with black splatter spots holds golden-orange fried cauliflower pieces stacked on the right side. On the left side, there are fresh green celery sticks, bright orange carrot sticks, and green celery leaves arranged neatly. A small white bowl filled with thick white dipping sauce is placed on the upper left part of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe plays a key role to build that perfect spicy, crispy exterior and tender inside. Here’s why I love the combo and some quick shopping tips to make your prep even smoother.

Hot sauce: I prefer Frank’s RedHot for its classic buffalo flavor, but Cholula works beautifully too — just pick a brand you enjoy since it’s the main flavor punch.
Olive oil: Helps the hot sauce coat the cauliflower evenly and aids in crisping during air frying.
Cauliflower: Choose a firm head with tight florets to hold up well through the coating and cooking.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the batter so the coating sticks and crisps nicely.
Cornstarch: Adds an extra crunch and helps keep the coating light.
Garlic powder: Injects a subtle savory depth that complements the spicy sauce wonderfully.
Kosher salt: Just the right amount to balance all the flavors and bring them forward.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it exactly to your preferences. I’ve played around with sauces and spices to suit different moods — and you’ll enjoy experimenting too!

Variation: Sometimes I swap hot sauce for a milder buffalo blend when serving some kids, and it’s always a hit without losing the signature tang.
Double the garlic: For garlic lovers like me, adding more garlic powder (or even fresh minced garlic in the batter) amps up the savory notes.
Extra crispy: Spritzing the cauliflower lightly with oil halfway through cooking gives an even crunchier finish — great for that wing-like texture.
Different heat levels: You can mix in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to boost smoky heat or tame it down with a drizzle of honey in the sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Sauce and Toss the Cauliflower

Start by whisking together the hot sauce and olive oil in a large bowl — this combo ensures the cauliflower gets evenly coated with that spicy, tangy kick. Add your cauliflower florets and toss everything gently so each piece is well covered without breaking apart. A light hand here helps keep those florets intact and ready for the next step.

Step 2: Coat with the Crispy Batter Mix

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Using a slotted spoon or your hands, transfer the cauliflower from the sauce bowl to this dry mix, leaving most of the liquid behind. Toss the florets in the mixture so they’re evenly coated — this dry layer will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry for Perfect Crispness

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket — a little overlap is fine, but aim for mostly spread out so the hot air can circulate. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes to make sure they cook evenly and get golden brown all over. You’re aiming for juicy inside yet crispy outside — that’s the sweet spot.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Even Coating is Key: Make sure to toss the cauliflower well in both the sauce and flour mixes for uniform crispiness and flavor.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Air needs plenty of room to circulate, so if you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches.
Toss During Cooking: Shaking or stirring the cauliflower every 5 minutes avoids burning and helps all sides crisp evenly.
Watch the Time: Some air fryers run hotter than others, so start checking around 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

The image shows seven golden brown fried cauliflower pieces arranged in a round black air fryer basket, with some crispy edges and a textured crunchy surface. The cauliflower pieces are spread evenly, showing white stems at the bottom with the fried coating covering the tops and sides, while part of the air fryer lid is partially open on the right side revealing a reflective dark surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped celery leaves or green onions on top for a fresh crunch and color contrast. A dollop of cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing on the side also makes for a perfect cooling dip to balance the spicy heat.

Side Dishes

This buffalo cauliflower pairs beautifully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a crisp green salad for a wholesome bite. When I’m feeling a bit more indulgent, I serve it alongside some crispy air-fried sweet potato fries — total crowd-pleasers!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange the cauliflower bites in a circular “wreath” on a platter, and drizzle extra buffalo sauce just before serving. It instantly makes the dish look festive and inviting — plus, guests love that extra splash of sauce to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the initial air frying, I let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They usually stay crispy enough for up to 4 days, which is perfect for quick snacks or reheating at busy times.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cauliflower, I recommend freezing them after air frying and cooling. I spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just what you need without clumps.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cauliflower back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to revive that crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crunchy!

FAQs

Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo?

Absolutely! While this recipe stars buffalo sauce, you can sub in BBQ sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a spicy sriracha mix to change things up. Just keep the balance of sauce and coating so the cauliflower crisps well in the air fryer.
Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is vegan as long as your hot sauce and other ingredients are free from animal products. It’s a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

You sure can! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the coated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. The air fryer just speeds things up and helps get extra crisp.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

The heat level is moderate and similar to classic buffalo wings. If you prefer milder bites, use a mild hot sauce or reduce the amount slightly. You can also tone it down with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe hits that sweet spot between comfort food and healthy eating that’s so hard to find. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and the magic of an air fryer can transform a simple veggie into something truly crave-worthy. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go — you’ll be delighted by how easy and satisfying it is, and it just might become your new favorite snack.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious, crispy, and spicy vegetarian appetizer or snack. Cauliflower florets are coated in a zesty hot sauce and a light seasoned flour mixture, then air fried to perfection, delivering a healthier twist on classic buffalo wings.

Ingredients

Sauce and Coating

1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cauliflower and Dry Mix

1 medium head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons olive oil until well combined. Add the cauliflower florets and toss them thoroughly in the sauce to evenly coat each piece.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt until evenly mixed.
Coat the Cauliflower: Using a slotted spoon or your hands, transfer the sauced cauliflower from the sauce bowl to the dry mixture bowl, leaving excess sauce behind. Toss the cauliflower in the flour mixture until all pieces are fully coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat up completely. A 5 1/2-quart or larger air fryer basket or tray works best.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in an even layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Some overlap is acceptable. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure all sides become crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Once hot, crispy, and lightly browned, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

You can prepare the cauliflower florets up to 3 days in advance and keep them refrigerated for convenience.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
If you prefer extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated cauliflower with cooking spray before air frying.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.