Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower with a two-stage cooking method that keeps the batter crunchy even after saucing. A plant-based game day favorite.

15 min Prep Time
20 min Cook Time
35 min Total Time
4 Servings
Easy Difficulty

Ingredients

Servings:
4
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 5g
Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 25g
Fiber 4g
🍳

Best Made With: Air Fryer

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Air fryer buffalo cauliflower delivers the satisfying crunch and heat of buffalo wings with a fraction of the calories. The two-stage cooking method — batter first, sauce second — produces a crispy exterior that holds up to the buffalo sauce without going soggy.

We tested this recipe in both the Ninja AF101 and COSORI Pro Gen 2. Both produced excellent results, but the COSORI’s square basket fit more florets in a single layer, reducing the need for batches.

Making It Vegan

Substitute the butter in the buffalo sauce with vegan butter or coconut oil. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based. Serve with vegan ranch dressing for a fully plant-based appetizer.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 180
Protein 5g
Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 25g
Fiber 4g

Instructions

1

Make the batter

Whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth.

💡 Pro tip: A thicker batter produces a crunchier crust.
2

Coat the cauliflower

Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated, letting excess drip off.

💡 Pro tip: Let excess batter drip off for a light crispy coating.
3

First air fry to set the batter

Preheat air fryer to 375F. Spray basket with cooking spray. Arrange in a single layer. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly golden.

💡 Pro tip: This first cook sets the batter so it won't wash off when you add the sauce.
4

Make buffalo sauce

Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey. Toss the air-fried cauliflower in the sauce.

💡 Pro tip: Toss gently — the batter is set but still delicate.
5

Second air fry to caramelize

Return sauced cauliflower to the air fryer at 400F for 5 more minutes until caramelized.

💡 Pro tip: This second blast caramelizes the sauce and adds char marks.
6

Serve immediately

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

💡 Pro tip: Buffalo cauliflower is best eaten immediately.

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