Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 Large Head Cauliflower (Cut Into 1½-Inch Florets); 8 Tbsp. Melted Butter; ½ Cup Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Like Frank's Wing Sauce, Plus More For Dipping); 1 ½ Cups Almond Flour Or Breadcrumbs; 2 Tsp. No-Salt Seasoning (Optional); 1 Cup Ranch Dressing (For Dipping Or As Needed)

Recipe Pin

Recently, I took a cooking class and discovered the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, which is unforgettable. It’s quick, crunchy, and vegan, unlike many other appetizers.

Now, I’m saying this because I don’t gravitate towards vegetarian recipes. That is why I took this cooking class to discover new recipes. Also, I have a new air fryer, and I wanted to try out some fun recipes in it. So, it was a win-win for more.

What I learned from this cooking class was priceless becuase this particular recipe stood out to me the most. Although the internet is filled with non-vegetarian appetizers, I’m happy to have come across this recipe, made from fresh cauliflower florets. Even non-vegetarians will love this recipe, and I’m the living proof.

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower comes together in just 30 minutes and is an inexpensive snack idea. Next time you want an easy, homemade, and healthy snack, make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower right away!

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Oven: Since I’m making this recipe in batches, I have my oven ready to keep the remaining cauliflower hot and crisp.
Air Fryer: To make this healthy recipe, I am using an air fryer.
Big Bowl: For mixing everything, I am using a big bowl.
Small Bowl: To make the sauce, I am using a small bowl.
Spoon: While preparing the sauce, I am using a spoon to whisk everything together.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 3 people. You can increase or decrease the quantities for more or fewer people.

1 Large Head Cauliflower, Cut Into 1½-Inch Florets
8 Tablespoons Melted Butter
½ Cup Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Like Frank’s Wing Sauce), Plus More For Dipping
1½ Cups Almond Flour or Breadcrumbs: I am using almond flour, but you can also use regular flour for this recipe.
2 Tsp. No-Salt Seasoning (Optional)
1 Cup Ranch Dressing, For Dipping Or As Needed: If you don’t like ranch dressing, go for blue cheese dressing as it complements this dish really well.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	20 Minutes	30 Minutes

How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower At Home

Step 1

Combine melted butter with cayenne pepper sauce in a bowl.

Step 2

Pour the sauce into a bowl filled with chopped cauliflower.

Step 3

Further, coat the cauliflower florets with breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Mix it well.

Step 5

Finally, place the cauliflower florets in an air fryer for 20 minutes at 180 degree.

Step 6

Once the Cauliflower is crispy, serve it along with ranch sauce.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Before making this recipe, I always wash my cauliflower. Since I wash them, I pat them dry with a towel first. Using dry cauliflower is crucial; otherwise, it won’t absorb the batter and sauce properly.
I always make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in batches because adding too many cauliflowers at once can make them soggy. Overcrowding the air fryer basket is a big no-no, as it prevents the cauliflower from being cooked properly.
After coating the cauliflowers with the batter, I let them sit for about 2 minutes. This allows the cauliflower to be evenly coated with the seasonings, making it more delicious.
If you want your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower to be crispier, you can double-fry it. But keep in mind that double-frying can also burn it quickly and make it dry. So, keep a close eye on it.
I am keeping it simple with cayenne pepper here, but you can add more seasonings. Add garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, or dried oregano mix for a nice boost of flavors.

FAQs About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Why is your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower soggy?

Your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower will turn out to be soggy if you cook it at the wrong temperature for too long. Another factor is that the cauliflower may not have been dried properly, which can cause moisture to build up inside the fryer. Overcrowding the pan with too many cauliflowers at once can also lead to this issue.

Can you make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower without the breading?

Yes, you can make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower without the breading, but it won’t be as crispy. The outer layer makes it crispier and tastier.

Can you make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in a skillet?

Yes, you can make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in a skillet. Follow the same steps until breading and then drop them in hot oil. Let them fry in oil until they are crispy brown in color.

How to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower spicier?

If you enjoy spicy food, then you can make your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower spicier by adding sriracha or hot sauce to the batter. Coat the cauliflowers nicely with it and fry them in the air fryer. You can also use chili powder or dried paprika if that is what you like.

Can you use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe, but thaw it at room temperature first. If not, then they will increase the cooking time, which might result in hard and uncooked Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is something that I wish to have every day, but I can’t since this is not a healthy option to enjoy. Being high in calories, one should consume this is modertaion. To give you deeper insights, take a look at the nutritional chart below:

Calories	612 kcal
Fat	57 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Cholestrol	61 mg
Sodium	1094 mg
Carbohydrates	11 g
Fiber	7 g
Sugar	7 g
Protein	12 g
Calcium	87 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	820 mg
Vitamin A	12 IU

Some other good things about this recipe are that it is soy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. Hence, people following most of the diets can enjoy this without any restrictions.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Gluten-Free: If you are using breadcrumbs, then make sure that they are gluten-free.

Storing & Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Counter Top: After my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is ready, I let it sit on the countertop for only 2 hours. After this, I transfer it to the refrigerator to keep it safe.
Refrigeration: If you want to store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower for a big party later, then you can refrigerate it. I do this by letting the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower cool completely first. After this, I pack it in airtight containers and store it for about 3-5 days.
Freezing: To extend the shelf life of the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower even more, you can freeze it. I start by letting them cool down, then pack them in airtight containers and freeze them for about 2-3 months.

Reheating

Air Fryer: I prefer using my air fryer to reheat my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F and then spray it with oil. Finally, I layer the leftovers and heat them for about 2-3 minutes.
Oven: An air fryer is suitable for a small amount of Buffalo Cauliflower, but for larger amounts, it’s best if you use an oven. I start the process by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F. Then I layer the air-fried contents in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 5-7 minutes. You can also remove the foil in the last 1-2 minutes to make the layers crisp.
Microwave: I do not recommend reheating your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in the microwave, as it can make it soggy. However, if that is the only option, then you can follow this process. Start by adding buffalo cauliflower to a microwave-friendly dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying. Finally, heat it at medium heat for 1-2 minutes, depending on the quantity, until it is warm enough.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I like to serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with plenty of sides, so here are some recommendations. You can serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Aioli or Ranch dip.

To make it more filling, you can also have it with your choice of Salad. If you enjoy roasted veggies, then you can enjoy them with that as well.

Another side dish I enjoy with this is a crusty Garlic Bread. If you enjoy grain-based options, then you can also enjoy them with Quinoa or couscous on the side.

Printable Version

More Recipes That You Can Try

Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe — Air Fryer Onion Rings

Healthy-No-Fried-Chicken-Tenders-Recipe — Air Fryer Onion Rings

Conclusion

If you enjoy healthy recipes, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a good fit. It is quick, simple, and tastes incredible.

With minimal prep, you can enjoy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower at your fingertips in minutes. So, try them out and let me know what you think of these delicious vegan appetizers in the comments below. I am eager to know how much you loved it.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Equipment Required

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time