Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Printable Version)

Crispy cauliflower bites coated in spicy buffalo sauce, cooked quickly in an air fryer for a flavorful snack.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - ½ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Buffalo Sauce

09 - ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or plant-based alternative)
11 - 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)

→ For Serving

12 - Celery sticks
13 - Carrot sticks
14 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with oil spray.
02 - Whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until evenly coated.
04 - Shake off excess batter and arrange florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
05 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - In a separate bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or agave if using.
07 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to the buffalo sauce bowl and toss until fully coated.
08 - Return coated florets to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes to set the sauce.
09 - Serve hot accompanied by celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with none of the guilt or grease of deep frying.
  • Buffalo sauce clings to every crevice, giving you that classic tangy kick in every bite.
  • Perfect for anyone craving wings but wanting something lighter, faster, and vegetarian friendly.
02 -
  • Don't skip shaking off excess batter, or the florets will steam instead of crisp.
  • A light spray of oil before air frying makes a huge difference in texture and color.
  • Toss the florets in sauce while they're still hot so it sticks and clings beautifully.
03 -
  • Cut florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
  • Let the coated florets sit for a minute before air frying, it helps the batter set and stick better.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, check the florets a minute or two early to avoid burning the edges.

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