Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

ByLila Prescott
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Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy snack or appetizer that delivers all the spicy goodness of buffalo wings without the meat. This easy recipe uses a light batter and air fryer crisping for a crunchy bite that’s perfect for game days or casual gatherings.

A close-up of a bowl filled with several pieces of golden-brown, crispy cauliflower wings topped with a shiny, sticky red-orange sauce and garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered on top. The bowl is white, and a small white bowl of creamy dressing is placed in the upper right corner inside the larger bowl. The texture of the cauliflower is crunchy with charred edges. The image background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water or sparkling water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) thick ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) blue cheese dressing (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prep the cauliflower by washing it thoroughly, then patting completely dry with paper towels. Cut into uniform bite-sized florets, about 1.5 inches each, and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Make the batter by whisking together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl. In a separate container, mix the water or sparkling water with a pinch of salt. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth, similar to pancake batter consistency.
  3. Step 3: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly and thickly. Shake off any excess batter. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. Step 4: Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Air fry the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through at about 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot sauce until fully combined.
  6. Step 6: Once the cauliflower is hot and crispy, transfer it immediately to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Serve right away with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crispiness, use sparkling water in the batter instead of still water.
  • If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or mix it with a little honey or maple syrup.
  • Serve with celery sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience.
  • Try tossing the cooked cauliflower in BBQ sauce or a garlic parmesan mixture for different flavor twists.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of crispy cauliflower florets with a golden brown and slightly charred texture, covered in a deep orange-red sauce with fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. The cauliflower pieces are piled together in a white bowl, and a small white bowl of creamy, light green dipping sauce sits on the side. The surface beneath the bowl is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure the hot sauce you choose is vegan-friendly. The batter can remain the same if using all-purpose or gluten-free flour.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. The air fryer just helps achieve a quicker and crispier texture.

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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers a flavorful, crunchy appetizer or snack with a spicy buffalo sauce coating. Using an air fryer ensures the cauliflower becomes perfectly crispy without excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings. The recipe pairs well with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a garnish of fresh green onions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Batter

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 blend
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water or sparkling water
  • Pinch of salt

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted

For Serving

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) thick ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) blue cheese dressing (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Cut it into uniform, bite-sized florets approximately 1.5 inches in size. Place the florets in a large bowl to prepare for battering.
  2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In a separate container, mix the water or sparkling water with a pinch of salt. Gradually pour the liquid into the flour mixture while whisking until a smooth batter forms, similar in consistency to pancake batter.
  3. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure each piece is evenly coated with a thick layer. Shake off any excess batter gently, then arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
  4. Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Cook the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking (around the 5-minute mark) to ensure even browning. Cook until the florets are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  5. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the Frank’s RedHot Original sauce until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Toss and serve: Immediately transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets, then toss gently to coat them evenly. Serve right away accompanied by ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

  • Patting cauliflower dry before battering is key to achieving a crispy coating in the air fryer.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; better results come from cooking in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Sparkling water adds extra lightness to the batter, but regular water works well too.
  • Blue cheese dressing is optional and adds a tangy classic flavor when served alongside the buffalo cauliflower.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce in the buffalo sauce.
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, healthy buffalo wings alternative, spicy snack

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