Looking for air fryer appetizers? This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a flavorful appetizer or side. Lightly battered cauliflower air fried until crisp and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce.
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Hi, I’m Katherine. I live in the FREAKING TUNDRA.
Right now it’s -35°C outside. I tried to stay positive about Canadian winters this year, but a cold snap like this makes it tough. Still, staying inside and cooking helps—especially when there’s an air fryer involved.
I recently shared air fryer coconut shrimp and have been experimenting with more air fryer recipes. These buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy, spicy, and easy to make.
What is buffalo cauliflower?
Buffalo cauliflower mimics buffalo chicken wings but uses cauliflower instead of meat. The florets are lightly battered, air fried until crisp, and coated in tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. It’s a great vegetarian appetizer that still delivers bold flavor.
Traditional buffalo sauce combines hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, butter, and seasonings. The butter enriches and thickens the sauce, giving it the classic buffalo texture.
Do you have to use an air fryer?
No. You can roast the coated cauliflower in a hot oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Oven roasting works well, though it takes a bit longer and won’t always be quite as crispy as the air-fried version. Instructions for oven roasting are included in the recipe card below.
Which buffalo sauce should you use?
I use Frank’s RedHot for a classic buffalo flavor, but any preferred brand of buffalo or hot sauce will work.
How to make buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer
Start by mixing a simple batter of milk, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter so they are evenly coated—using a large resealable bag makes this fast and easy.
Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer and cook until they begin to crisp. Shake the basket once during cooking to ensure even browning. While the florets cook, whisk together your buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of honey for balance. Toss the cooked cauliflower with the sauce, then return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes to set and crisp the coating.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. These bites work well as a game-day appetizer, party snack, or spicy side dish. Leftovers keep in the fridge and can be re-crisped in a 250°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Stay warm, friends!
Some other appetizer and snack ideas:
- air fryer coconut shrimp
- crispy baked chicken wings
- pepper poppers
- queso fundido with chorizo
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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5 from 20 reviews
- Author: Katherine | Love In My Oven
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups cauliflower 1x
Description
Looking for air fryer appetizers? This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a flavorful appetizer or side—lightly battered, air fried until crisp, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk*
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup buffalo sauce**
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. In a measuring cup, whisk together the milk, flour, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the batter into a large resealable bag, add the cauliflower florets, and shake until well coated. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and turn any larger pieces. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, watching to prevent burning.
- While the cauliflower cooks, whisk the buffalo sauce with the honey. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl, pour the sauce over it, and toss to coat. Return the coated florets to the air fryer and cook 3–5 more minutes, until crispy. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Oven Roasted: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat the cauliflower following step 1 and spread on the sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, toss with the buffalo sauce, then roast 5 more minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a 250°F oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp.
Notes
*You can use a dairy-free milk if preferred; avoid strongly flavored varieties like coconut milk unless you like that flavor.
**Frank’s RedHot is recommended for a classic buffalo taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: air fryer