Looking for air fryer appetizers? This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a flavorful appetizer or side — lightly battered florets air fried until crisp and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce.
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Hi, I’m Katherine. I live in the FREAKING TUNDRA.
Okay, really — it’s -35°C outside right now. I tried to stay positive about winter this year, but the deep cold has been relentless. When the season was mild earlier on, it was easier to be upbeat. Fingers crossed this cold snap won’t last long or I might turn into an ice cube.
If you enjoyed my air fryer coconut shrimp from a few weeks ago, you’ll like these buffalo cauliflower bites too. I’ve been on an air fryer kick and this recipe is one of my recent favorites.
What is buffalo cauliflower?
Buffalo cauliflower is a vegetarian take on buffalo chicken wings: cauliflower florets are coated, cooked until crisp and tossed in tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. The air fryer crisps the coating nicely so these feel like a treat rather than just a vegetable side.
Traditional buffalo sauce is hot sauce mixed with vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, butter and seasonings. The butter (or a butter substitute) gives the sauce body and a richer mouthfeel compared with plain hot sauce.
Do you have to use an air fryer?
No — you can roast the florets in a conventional oven. Oven-roasted buffalo cauliflower is delicious, though it may take a bit longer and won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried.
Which buffalo sauce is best?
I use Frank’s RedHot for its classic flavor, but use any buffalo-style sauce you prefer.
How to make air fryer buffalo cauliflower
Begin by making a simple batter: milk, all-purpose flour, minced garlic and a little olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper. Put the batter in a large resealable bag, add cauliflower florets, seal and shake until each floret is evenly coated.
Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C). After about 5 minutes, pause to shake the basket and turn any larger pieces, then continue for another 3 minutes. The florets should be crisp and lightly browned at this point.
While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together the buffalo sauce with a tablespoon of honey to balance the heat. Transfer the cooked florets to a large bowl, pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Return the sauced florets to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes to crisp the coating and set the sauce.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
This makes a great appetizer for game day or a spicy side. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a low oven (about 250°F) for 10–15 minutes to restore some crispness.
Stay warm, friends!
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
Description
Looking for air fryer appetizers? These buffalo cauliflower bites are lightly battered, air fried until crisp and tossed in a spicy-sweet buffalo sauce for a savory appetizer or side.
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 (175°C). In a measuring cup, combine the milk, flour, minced garlic, olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a large resealable bag. Add the cauliflower florets, seal the bag and shake vigorously until each floret is coated. Spread the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket and turn larger pieces. Cook another 3 minutes, watching to avoid burning.
- While the cauliflower cooks, whisk the buffalo sauce with honey. Remove the cooked florets and place them in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Return the sauced florets to the air fryer and cook 3–5 more minutes, until crispy. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Oven-roasted option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Coat the cauliflower as described above and spread on the sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, remove and toss with buffalo sauce, then roast another 5 minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp.
Notes
*You can use a dairy-free milk if desired; avoid strongly flavored coconut milk if you don’t want coconut flavor in the batter.
**I use Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce, but any buffalo-style sauce works.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: air fryer