Alright, let’s talk about Buffalo Cauliflower—specifically, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Now, I’ll be honest. The first time I made this, my kids looked at me like I had completely lost my mind. “Buffalo Cauliflower Bites? Where’s the chicken?” But after one crispy, spicy, perfectly air-fried bite, they were hooked. And I mean fighting over the last piece kind of hooked.
If you’re looking for Delicious Cauliflower Recipes that don’t taste like, well, boring cauliflower, this one’s for you. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that tangy, spicy buffalo sauce we all know and love. Plus, thanks to The Best Air Fryer (aka whatever one you’ve got on your counter), it comes together in no time without all the oil and mess of deep frying.
Whether you’re searching for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipes, wondering How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower, or just need a good Cauliflower Recipe that your family might actually eat, this one checks all the boxes. It’s an easy, healthier twist on Hot Cauliflower Recipes, and trust me—once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Alright, let’s fire up that air fryer and get to cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup flour (regular or almond flour if you’re fancy)
- 1/2 cup water or milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but highly recommend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (makes it extra crispy)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the MVP)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Chop Up That Cauliflower
Grab your cauliflower and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Not too big, not too tiny—you want them to be just right so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
And yes, I know cutting cauliflower makes a huge mess. I don’t make the rules.
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. It should look like a slightly runny pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water. If it’s too thin, add a tiny bit more flour.
You’re basically making a sticky coating for the cauliflower to grab onto.
Step 3: Coat in Crispy Goodness
Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter, letting the extra drip off. Then, roll it around in the panko breadcrumbs. This step is key for getting that amazing crunch in the air fryer.
If you skip the breadcrumbs, it’ll still be tasty, just not as crispy. And crispy = better.
Step 4: Air Fry Like a Pro
Place the cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket. No overlapping, no crowding. If you stuff too many in there, they’ll steam instead of crisp up, and nobody wants that.
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so everything gets evenly golden brown.
Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.
Step 5: Sauce Time
While the cauliflower is crisping up, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter (or olive oil). This makes it stick better and gives it that perfect, restaurant-style flavor.
When the cauliflower is done, toss it in the sauce until everything is well coated. Try not to eat it straight out of the bowl. (I fail at this every time.)
Step 6: One Last Crisp
Throw the sauced-up cauliflower back into the air fryer for 5 more minutes. This helps the sauce set and gives you that extra little crunch that makes it chef’s kiss perfect.
FAQs About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have The Best Air Fryer (yet), you can bake these in the oven. Just spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t get quite as crispy as the Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer version, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I make my Buffalo Cauliflower extra crispy?
If you want Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, a few tricks help:
Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
Lightly spray the coated cauliflower with cooking spray before air frying.
Is Buffalo Cauliflower a good substitute for chicken wings?
Listen, I’m not gonna lie and say you won’t notice the difference, but it’s a delicious alternative. If you’re trying to eat more veggies, cut back on fried foods, or just love Hot Cauliflower Recipes, this is a winner. Plus, it totally satisfies that buffalo wing craving.
Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo?
Totally! This Cauliflower Airfryer Recipe works with all kinds of flavors. Try BBQ sauce, teriyaki, honey mustard, or even a garlic parmesan coating for a different twist.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
You can, but fresh works way better for Cauliflower Recipes in Air Fryer. If using frozen, thaw it first and pat it really dry—otherwise, it’ll end up soggy instead of crispy.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup flour all-purpose or almond flour
- 1/2 cup water or milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a bowl, mix the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
- Place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil. Toss the crispy cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
Step 6: Final Air Fry
- Return coated cauliflower to the air fryer for 5 more minutes to set the sauce and crisp up.
Notes
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Pair with celery and carrot sticks for a classic touch.
- Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or meatless meal.
Alright, so there you have it—Air Fry Buffalo Cauliflower that’s crispy, spicy, and totally addictive. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how this one would go over with my family, but after watching my kids demolish a plate of Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, I can confidently say this recipe is a keeper. Even my husband, who swears he’s “not a cauliflower person,” kept sneaking bites.
If you’re looking for Delicious Cauliflower Recipes that don’t feel like you’re just eating plain ol’ veggies, this is it. Whether you need a solid Cauliflower Recipe for game day, a fun side dish, or just a way to use up that head of cauliflower in your fridge before it goes bad (we’ve all been there), this one checks all the boxes. Plus, thanks to The Best Air Fryer, it’s quick, easy, and way less messy than deep frying.
So if you’ve been searching for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipes or wondering How To Make Buffalo Cauliflower that’s actually crispy, give this a try. And if your family fights over the last piece like mine did, just go ahead and make a double batch next time. Trust me, you’ll need it.
