Description
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a quick, easy, and crave-worthy vegetarian lunch or snack. Crispy, golden cauliflower florets are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce for a lighter, healthier take on classic wings—perfect for game day, meal prep, or anytime you need a bold, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter, or omit for vegan)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
- Optional: crumbled blue cheese or vegan blue cheese
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
- Optional: celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cauliflower. Cut into bite-sized florets, trimming off any tough stems.
- In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil until lightly coated.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the pieces halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender.
- While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the buffalo sauce and an extra pinch of garlic powder if desired.
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a clean bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or chives, alongside celery, carrots, and your favorite dressing.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches for maximum crispiness. To make vegan, use plant-based butter or omit it, and ensure your buffalo sauce and dip are dairy-free. Serve immediately after tossing with sauce for the crunchiest texture. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cornstarch mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 1 cup cooked cauliflower)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian buffalo wings, easy lunch, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan option, game day appetizer, spicy cauliflower, air fryer recipe