Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: The Ultimate Guilt-Free, Crunchy Spice Snack

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Introduction

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the ultimate snack for spice lovers seeking a healthy alternative to traditional wings. With a satisfying crunch and tangy, spicy flavor, these cauliflower bites are perfect for game day parties, weeknight appetizers, or anytime you’re craving classic buffalo-style heat without the guilt.

This easy air fryer recipe delivers that addictive buffalo kick with a fraction of the calories and none of the greasiness. Even the biggest meat-lovers will find themselves reaching for seconds!

Why Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

This snack stands out thanks to its irresistible texture—a perfectly crisp, golden exterior gives way to tender, juicy cauliflower. Tossed in punchy buffalo sauce, each bite delivers bold flavor and satisfying heat without deep frying or complicated prep. Pair with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing, plant-based dish that’s just as delightful as traditional wings.

Simple Prep with the Right Kitchen Tools

Prepping cauliflower is a breeze when you use a high-quality Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Quickly break down your head of cauliflower into evenly sized florets, ensuring consistent cooking and even crisping in your air fryer.

For effortless clean-up and to prevent sticking, line your air fryer basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature. Simply toss away after use!

How to Get the Best “Crispy” Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Achieving that coveted crunch is all about technique and the right equipment. After tossing your cauliflower florets in a light batter, arrange them in a single layer in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt. This ensures hot air can circulate for even, golden browning on all sides without overcrowding the basket.

For that signature buffalo flavor, use a homemade or store-bought buffalo sauce. A quick blitz in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender helps emulsify your sauce for an ultra-smooth, clingy coating.

Serving Suggestions That Wow

Serve hot, fresh Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower on a platter drizzled with extra buffalo sauce and accompanied by celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce. Pack leftovers for lunch using a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl—perfect for transporting and storing without sogginess.

These bites are also delicious chopped into salads, wrapped in flatbread with crunchy veggies, or layered on top of rice bowls for a spicy vegetarian dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains around 120–150 calories, depending on the sauce and batter ingredients used. A fiber-rich, low-carb, and plant-powered alternative to fried appetizers, these cauliflower bites are a nutritious, flavor-packed treat.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Recap)

Quick, healthy, and bursting with spicy flavor, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is equally suited for parties, meal prep, or healthy snacking. Thanks to the crispy results from your air fryer, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
½ cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
¾ cup buffalo wing sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Optional: Celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the cauliflower using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even florets.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a smooth batter.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Line your air fryer basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square. Arrange coated florets in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
  6. Lightly spritz cauliflower with cooking oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
  7. Meanwhile, warm your buffalo wing sauce. For extra-smooth, toss the sauce in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a velvety finish.
  8. Remove cauliflower from the air fryer and toss in the buffalo sauce until well coated.
  9. Return to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes to crisp further and allow the sauce to adhere.
  10. Serve immediately with optional celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Store leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for lunch or snacking.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Enjoy the zesty, crunchy goodness of these air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites—an irresistible snack or party platter, made even easier with versatile kitchen tools!

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