Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess in the air fryer.

How do I make the cauliflower less spicy?

To reduce the heat, you can mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter, yogurt, or a touch of honey. You can also use a mild BBQ or teriyaki sauce as a substitute.

How do I keep the cauliflower crispy after cooking?

For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer and serve the cauliflower immediately after tossing it in the sauce. If reheating, use the air fryer again at 375°F for 4–5 minutes.

What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?

Buffalo cauliflower pairs perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dip, celery sticks, or stuffed into sliders with a tangy slaw. You can also serve it over rice or salad for a more filling meal.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup water; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – melted; Cooking spray

Description

Crispy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a delicious vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or light meals, it’s quick to make, beginner-friendly, and full of bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup water
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter – melted
Cooking spray

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Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into even, bite-sized florets to ensure they cook uniformly. Rinse, dry, and set aside while preparing the batter.
Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and pourable. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss until each piece is fully covered. Let any excess batter drip off before transferring to the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl. Warm it slightly to help it coat the florets better.
Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl and drizzle the buffalo sauce over it. Gently toss until all pieces are well coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.

Notes

To reduce spice, use less buffalo sauce or blend it with yogurt or honey. For extra crunch, air fry the cauliflower an additional 2–3 minutes before adding the sauce. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 160
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg