Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

If you love classic buffalo wings but crave a veggie-forward twist, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is about to steal your heart (and tastebuds). Crispy, tangy, with a fiery buffalo kick, these golden cauliflower bites come together lightning-fast in the air fryer for the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side. Get ready for flavor fireworks—no deep fryer (or heavy cleanup) required!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making swoon-worthy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower couldn’t be easier—these are everyday ingredients with big flavor pay-off. Every component plays a part in achieving those sizzling-hot, saucy bites that disappear in a flash!

• Fresh Cauliflower Florets: Go for a large head and cut into medium or largish florets for hearty, meaty texture—bigger pieces hold up better to tossing and cooking.
• Bottled Buffalo Sauce: The signature tangy-spicy flavor makes these bites the star; Frank’s is a classic choice, but any favorite buffalo sauce works.
• Melted Butter: Whisked into the sauce for that rich, velvety coating—feel free to swap for vegan butter if you prefer.
• Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: The ultimate cool, creamy drizzle. Pick your favorite (or set out both for dipping fun!).
• Oil (for air fryer basket): Just a quick brush helps prevent sticking and encourages gorgeously crisp edges.
• Green Onion (optional): Sprinkle for color and a subtle fresh kick.
• Celery & Carrot Sticks (optional): The classic crunchy, cooling side—plus, it makes the spread feel extra party-ready!

Variations

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is endlessly flexible—play with sauces, dippers, or level of heat to suit whatever mood (or crowd) you’re serving! Here are some tasty ideas to riff on:

• Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower: Swap in vegan butter and your favorite plant-based ranch or blue cheese—no flavor is sacrificed!
• Spicy BBQ Twist: Use half buffalo sauce and half smoky barbecue sauce for a milder, sweet-and-spicy experience.
• “Breaded” Bites: Before air frying, toss the sauced florets in a little panko for extra crunch.
• Mild Buffalo: Mix your buffalo sauce with a splash of honey or a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you prefer things a little gentler on the spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower

Start by giving your head of cauliflower a good wash, then trim it into medium or large florets. Florets that are too small tend to overcook, so aim for sizes you’d want to pick up with your fingers. Pop them in a large mixing bowl—they’re ready for flavor action.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and buffalo sauce until glossy and smooth. This is your secret weapon: it clings to every nook and cranny of the cauliflower, delivering saucy heat in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Pour the buffalo-butter mixture over the bowl of cauliflower florets. Toss thoroughly—using your hands works best—to make sure each piece is lovingly coated. The more evenly they’re covered, the better the flavor and crunch!

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Brush or spritz the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Spread your sauced cauliflower in a single layer—don’t crowd the basket, as air needs to circulate for maximum crispiness. If needed, air fry in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry and Shake

Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then give the basket a shake to flip and move around the pieces. Cook for another 6 minutes, shake again, and continue air frying for a final 5 minutes, or until the florets are tender and deliciously browned at the edges. The aroma is seriously irresistible at this stage!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Transfer that glorious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower to a platter. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing, scatter with sliced green onion if you’re feeling fancy, and serve up celery and carrot sticks for authentic buffalo vibes.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing over your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a must, but don’t stop there—try thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a dusting of crumbled blue cheese for extra indulgence and gorgeous color.

Side Dishes

Celery and carrot sticks are classic partners, offering cool crunch and that beloved wing-night vibe. If you’re turning your cauliflower into a meal, pair it with a big green salad, sweet potato fries, or even a crisp slaw on the side—it’s a match made in flavor heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Buffalo Cauliflower onto a platter as a party appetizer with toothpicks and a trio of dippers, or stuff them into warm tortillas with lettuce for fiery veggie tacos. They’re also fabulous on a grain bowl, scattered over a pizza, or loaded onto a baked potato for an irresistible twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (well done, honestly!), let the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll lose some crispness, but the fiery flavor will stick around.

Freezing

For best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy these fresh; however, you can freeze cooled buffalo cauliflower in a single layer on a tray, then bag up for up to one month. They’ll be softer when reheated, but perfect for wraps or grain bowls.

Reheating

To bring back the best texture, pop your cauliflower into a preheated air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until hot and crisp at the edges. The oven works too, but the microwave will make them soft (still tasty, but less crispy).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, you’ll understand why it’s a staple around here—fast, zesty, and endlessly versatile. Whether you serve it for game day, a fun weeknight treat, or a (secretly veggie-packed) party platter, you’re guaranteed big smiles and empty plates. Dig in and enjoy every spicy, crunchy bite!

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