Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Crispy, bite-sized cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce.
A healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional buffalo chicken wings. These cauliflower bites are air-fried to a perfect crisp and tossed in hot buffalo sauce. Served with celery and blue cheese dressing.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Large Non-Stick Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Whisk
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Pat Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Always pat proteins (like chicken, fish, or tofu) completely dry with paper towels before placing them in the hot pan.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
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½ cup all-purpose flour, or rice flour
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½ cup water
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ cup buffalo hot sauce
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2 tbsp melted butter, or coconut oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Cauliflower & Batter
Cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and water until a smooth batter forms (it should have the thickness of pancake batter). Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until they are completely coated, letting any excess drip off.
Air Fry to Crisp
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure crispy edges (cook in batches if needed). Spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the batter is cooked through, firm, and golden-brown.
Glaze with Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, mix the melted butter and buffalo hot sauce. Transfer the crispy cauliflower florets into the sauce and toss gently until every piece is coated. Return the glazed cauliflower to the air fryer basket.
Final Air Fry & Serve
Air fry the glazed cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 4-5 minutes until the buffalo glaze caramelized and clings to the florets, developing small charred crispy spots. Serve hot immediately with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.