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Buffalo lovers, get ready to be amazed! This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a game-changer. Packed with the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo sauce and air-fried to crispy perfection, it’s a healthier, plant-based twist on your favorite appetizer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a delicious snack, this recipe is so easy and quick to whip up that you’ll want to make it on repeat!

This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is amazing! What a perfect healthy vegan alternative to buffalo wings!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Healthy and Delicious: This recipe is the perfect guilt-free indulgence. It’s loaded with flavor but keeps things light by skipping the breading and frying.
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this is an ideal option for a last-minute snack or appetizer.
Vegan-Friendly: A fantastic plant-based alternative to buffalo wings that doesn’t skimp on the bold, tangy flavor.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or even a creative addition to salads, rice bowls, or tacos.
Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy texture and spicy kick make this dish a hit with everyone, even cauliflower skeptics!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Cauliflower – The star of the recipe, cut into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
Buffalo Sauce – Provides the signature tangy, spicy flavor. You can use bottled sauce for convenience or make your own.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air Fryer: The secret to achieving perfectly crispy buffalo cauliflower without deep frying.
Large Bowl: For tossing the cauliflower with the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents the cauliflower from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring easy cleanup.

I don’t know about you, but I’m just obsessed with Buffalo anything- wraps, sauces and dips- just bring them on! So I thought, why not use it to transform something that I don’t usually like to eat, into a chomp-worthy culinary creation?

And that’s when I thought of this supremely delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower. Sure, you’ll find different versions of this recipe out there, but what I absolutely love about this is its simplicity. You literally need just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients to whip this up!

How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Cut the Cauliflower: Begin by chopping the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Toss with Sauce: In a large bowl, coat the cauliflower thoroughly with your favorite Buffalo sauce.
Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to keep the florets from sticking.
Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the cauliflower at 390°F for 16 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crispiness.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the buffalo cauliflower with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, and dipping sauce of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with classic buffalo wing sides like carrot sticks, cucumbers, and a creamy dipping sauce such as ranch or cottage cheese dressing.
For a healthier meal, pair the cauliflower with cooked brown rice, avocado slices, coleslaw, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful bowl.
Use the cauliflower as a filling for tacos, chicken quesadillas, or turkey wraps, adding your favorite toppings for a fun and delicious twist.
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked cauliflower, melt it in the microwave, and enjoy it with nachos.
For extra spice, drizzle with additional buffalo sauce before serving.

Tips For Success

Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Use a fresh head of cauliflower to ensure the best texture. Avoid florets that are too soft or have discoloration.
Even Floret Size: Cut the cauliflower into similar-sized florets to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Coat Thoroughly: Make sure every piece of cauliflower is well coated with Buffalo sauce for maximum flavor. You can use a spoon or your hands to toss them evenly in the bowl.
Shake the Basket: Don’t forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.
Crispier Option: If you like extra crispy cauliflower, add a few drops of oil to the florets before air frying. Alternatively, you can lightly dust the cauliflower with cornstarch before adding the sauce.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the cauliflower in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy florets.
Serve Immediately: Buffalo cauliflower tastes best when served hot and crispy straight out of the air fryer.
Customize Heat Level: If you prefer less spice, mix the Buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter or honey to tone down the heat.

Variations And Substitutions

Different Vegetables: If you don’t have cauliflower, this recipe works just as well with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. These vegetables also crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and pair well with Buffalo sauce.
Protein Options: Turn this into a protein-packed dish by using tofu cubes, chicken bites, or shrimp instead of cauliflower. Toss them in the Buffalo sauce and cook as directed.
Mild Version: If Buffalo sauce is too spicy, you can mix it with barbecue sauce or honey mustard for a milder flavor.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Create your own Buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar. This way, you can adjust the spice and salt content to suit your taste.
Gluten-Free and Keto: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, but if you’re making your own sauce, check the ingredients to ensure compliance with your dietary needs.
Breaded Option: If you want a crispy coating, dip the cauliflower florets in a light batter made from flour, water, and seasonings before air frying. This adds texture and crunch, though it may slightly increase the cooking time.
Low-Sodium Alternative: Use a low-sodium Buffalo sauce or make your own to control the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the cooked florets, pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two, and enjoy a cheesy variation of this recipe.
Sweet Heat: For a unique twist, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the cooked Buffalo cauliflower for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Allow the buffalo cauliflower to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: Reheat the cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-6 minutes to restore its crispiness. Shake the basket halfway through reheating for even results.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave Option: For a quick option, microwave the cauliflower on high for 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind, it may lose some crispiness.
Freezing: While freezing is not recommended due to texture changes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in the air fryer to reduce sogginess.

Ready to go ahead and give it a shot? Here’s answering some questions you might have in mind.

Can I Make My Own Buffalo Sauce?

Of course you can! I used the bottled variety because it is really convenient and a literal time saver when you’re craving for something delicious, but don’t want to order a takeout!

You’ll find tons of recipe variations, but in general, the buffalo sauce is a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, cayenne pepper, melted butter, white vinegar and some garlic powder. To make your own buffalo sauce, check out my easy homemade buffalo sauce recipe.

How Can I Make it Super Crispy?

Okay, with your trusty air fryer on hands, you can be sure that the buffalo cauliflower isn’t going to turn out all soggy. But if you’re trying to look for a way to make it extra crispy, I’ve got your back there too!

The non stick cooking spray will help air fry the buffalo cauliflower, keeping it from sticking. But if you skip that and add in a few drops of oil or any other fat, the cauliflower will turn out extra crispy!

I Don’t Have Cauliflower. What Else Can I Try This With?

You can try this recipe with a ton of other foods- tofu, shrimp, chicken cubes and practically any other veggie you have in your refrigerator that’s threatening to get limp within the next day or two. I personally loved making them in a similar style with broccoli and brussels sprouts- two other veggies that most of us often have trouble eating more of, and that need a serious makeover! And if you still have some cauliflower left over, you can try this delicious cauliflower rice recipe!

Serving Ideas & Suggestions

I like serving the air fryer buffalo cauliflower the same way I like serving my buffalo wings – with some carrot and celery sticks on the side and some blue cheese or ranch dressing.

If you’re someone who loves spice, you could also team it up with a bit of hot sauce of your choice.

And if you’re in the mood to make it more healthy, you can serve it over a bowl of cooked brown rice, radish and avocado slices and coleslaw mix along with the seasonings of your choice and a nice garnish of chopped fresh herbs.

Another incredible idea is to use it to fill up your homemade tacos, quesadillas or tortilla wraps- a delicious and healthy way to get more of those veggies. Or, if you’re in the mood to indulge, sprinkle some grated cheese over it, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds and serve it with nachos!

If you like air fryer buffalo cauliflower, you will also like these easy air fryer recipes:

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