Go Back
Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer

Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer

This Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer recipe is a crispy, spicy, and healthier twist on the classic buffalo wings. Perfect for parties, game days, or even weeknight dinners, these crispy cauliflower bites are tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and cooked to golden perfection. Easy to make, vegan-friendly, and full of flavor, they’ll become your go-to when craving something bold yet light.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter or vegan butter

Method
 

  1. Prepare the cauliflower
  2. Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat dry.
  3. Make the batter
  4. In a bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water/milk until smooth.
  5. Coat the florets
  6. Dip each floret into the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  7. Air fry
  8. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
  9. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  10. Add buffalo sauce
  11. Mix buffalo sauce with olive oil or butter. Toss cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
  12. Final crisp
  13. Return to the air fryer for another 5 minutes to caramelize.
  14. Serve
  15. Enjoy hot with celery sticks, vegan ranch, or blue cheese dip.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
  • Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce for spiciness preference.
  • To reheat, air fry again for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.
  • Oven option: bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.