Go Back
image of realistic top down mise en place shot fresh cauliflower florets small bowls of bright orange buffalo sauce melted butter creamy blue cheese dressing tangy ranch dressing crisp celery sticks fresh carrots garlic powder onion powder paprika salt cracked pepper cornstarch all purpose flour panko breadcrumbs olive oil chili hot sauce chives parsley arranged on a white marble kitchen counter healthy clear glass prep bowls rustic brown wooden spoons and cutting board under soft diffuse daylight photorealistic food photography

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A crispy, spicy, and satisfying vegetarian twist on classic buffalo wings. This air fryer recipe delivers bold flavor and perfect crunch without the guilt or heavy frying!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower Coating Mixture
  • 1 head cauliflower cut into nickel-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or almond milk
Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Frank's RedHot recommended
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter
Serving Suggestions
  • ranch dressing for serving
  • blue cheese dressing for serving
  • celery sticks for serving
  • carrot sticks for serving

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower head. Cut it into nickel-sized florets for even cooking and better crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix water or almond milk until smooth.
  4. Dip each cauliflower floret quickly in the wet mixture. Let excess drip off, then toss in the dry flour mix until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket and arrange coated florets in a single layer to avoid steaming.
  6. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk with buffalo sauce in a large, heat-proof bowl.
  8. Remove the cooked cauliflower from the air fryer and immediately transfer to the sauce bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer. Cook for 3–5 minutes at 380°F (195°C) to set the sauce into a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  10. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Notes

To make this recipe vegan, swap almond milk for water and vegan butter for regular butter. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour alternative. For keto or low-carb versions, omit flour and lightly coat florets in egg wash instead of flour.
QR Code linking back to recipe