Introduction

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. These bite-sized florets are coated in a flavorful batter, air fried to perfection, and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer, they’re both delicious and easy to make.

A black tray filled with two layers of crispy spicy fried cauliflower pieces, each piece golden brown with textured, crunchy surfaces. Scattered fresh green parsley leaves add a pop of color among the cauliflower. Dollops of white creamy sauce are lightly drizzled over several pieces. Three lime halves and three lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy inner sections sit around the edges of the tray. In the center, a small wooden bowl holds a smooth, white dipping sauce topped with chopped parsley. The whole arrangement is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice)
1 cup vegetable oil, for frying (or more, as needed)
1 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your favorite buffalo wing sauce)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly wash the cauliflower florets and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, prepare the buttermilk by whisking together buttermilk or milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
Step 4: Gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to form a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, fully coating it, and let excess drip off. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
Step 6: Air fry the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time depends on your air fryer and floret size—watch closely and adjust as needed.
Step 7: Remove cooked florets and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly, preserving their crispiness.
Step 8: In a medium bowl, whisk together buffalo wing sauce and melted butter until combined. Toss the slightly cooled cauliflower in the buffalo sauce gently to coat evenly.
Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Lightly spray florets with cooking spray before air frying for extra crispiness.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or use a spicier buffalo sauce for more heat.
Experiment with herbs like Italian seasoning or paprika in the batter for new flavors.
This recipe works well as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with a salad.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results. They may lose some crispiness but remain tasty.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with about twenty deep-fried cauliflower florets that are golden orange and crunchy textured. Small dollops of white sauce are drizzled across several florets, and tiny green herb pieces are sprinkled over the top. Around the edges of the plate, there are slices of fresh green jalapeños and a wedge of lime with a light green interior and slightly darker rind. In the top-right corner, a small brown bowl filled with smooth, white dipping sauce sits partially on the plate. All items are set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This helps the batter stay light and crispy.

How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy?

Make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before battering, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and cook at the recommended temperature. Allowing cooked florets to rest on a wire rack also helps maintain crispiness.