Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is my answer to that weeknight craving for something crispy tangy and comforting yet surprisingly light. It pulls together everything I love about classic wings without the heaviness and it is so simple to whip up that it quickly became a game day favorite at my house.

I remember discovering this recipe when my vegetarian friend visited and now both my kids and my husband beg for it any time there is a big game on TV.

What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen

• Cauliflower: Fresh heads are best look for tightly packed white florets
• All purpose flour: This creates a crisp base choose unbleached for a clean flavor
• Water or milk: Milk makes the batter creamier and richer try oat milk for dairy free
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Give deep savory flavor do not skimp for extra punch
• Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and smokiness try Spanish smoked for authenticity
• Salt and black pepper: Balance and amplify all the flavors use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Buffalo sauce: The classic spicy tang use a brand you love or try homemade for total control
• Melted butter: Optional but creates a silkier restaurant style coating quality unsalted butter is ideal

How to Make It Like a Pro

Mix the batter:

Whisk together the flour milk or water and all the spices in a roomy bowl until absolutely smooth with no clumps left behind this keeps your coating crisp

Prepare the cauliflower:

Wash and cut cauliflower into even bite size florets this matters for even cooking and crispness pat them totally dry for maximum crunch

Coat the florets:

Drop florets into the batter and toss gently with your hands or a spatula make sure every nook is covered but shake off any extra this keeps the coating light

Set up the air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees lightly brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking arrange florets in one even layer keeping space between for best crisping

Air fry to golden perfection:

Cook in batches if needed for twelve to fifteen minutes flipping halfway through you want each piece deeply golden crisp on the outside and just tender inside

Buffalo sauce toss:

Mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a separate bowl for velvetiness add the cooked cauliflower and tumble gently just until coated so they stay crispy

Serve hot:

Serve right away with cool ranch or blue cheese plus crunchy celery for the ultimate contrast of flavors and textures

Save

My secret is always adding that little bit of melted butter to the sauce it gives that irresistible glossy finish My kids love helping dunk the florets with me on a Sunday afternoon and somehow the plate always vanishes in minutes

Keep It Fresh and Delicious

For the crispiest texture always toss the cauliflower in sauce right before serving Air fried pieces can be kept warm on low in the oven without getting soggy If you have leftovers a quick spin in the air fryer the next day brings them right back to life

Genius Ingredient Swaps

Swap in chickpea flour for a protein boost or gluten free version For the sauce try a homemade buffalo blend using your favorite hot sauce honey and a splash of vinegar Cauliflower not your thing Broccoli florets work beautifully too

Plating Like a Chef

Piling the florets high on a wide platter with a swirl of buffalo sauce underneath looks impressive and fun Add tiny ramekins of dip and celery upright like a fancy restaurant A sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a fresh finish

The Story Behind the Bite

This dish started as a last minute snack for my vegetarian friend but ended up winning everyone over It is now my go to for movie nights and casual get togethers The balance of heat crispiness and cooling dressing hits every craving I did not know cauliflower could be this irresistible until I tried air frying it

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes cauliflower crispy in the air fryer?

The batter of flour, water, and spices coats each floret, and the hot circulating air crisps them up to a golden texture.

→ Can I use milk instead of water for the batter?

Yes, using milk creates a richer, creamier batter that clings better to the cauliflower, enhancing the flavor.

→ How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?

Shake off excess batter before air frying and arrange florets in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.

→ Is homemade buffalo sauce required?

No, store-bought buffalo sauce works fine, but you can make your own for a unique tang or to control the heat level.

→ What are the best dips for these buffalo bites?

Ranch or blue cheese dressings pair perfectly, offering creamy coolness to balance the spicy kick.