One of my favorite memories with this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe takes me back to a fun summer weekend at my cousin’s house. Every year, we host a family BBQ to kick off the season, and we’re always on the lookout for new appetizers that suit everyone’s tastes. My cousin, a devoted wing lover, challenged me to come up with a dish that could satisfy his buffalo sauce cravings—without the guilt of traditional fried wings.
Enter the humble cauliflower. It wasn’t my first time experimenting with cauliflower as a healthier swap for carb-heavy or deep-fried snacks, but air frying it with buffalo sauce? That was new territory. I remember the first time I brought out a steaming plate of this crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower—it was an instant hit. Even my cousin, a die-hard buffalo wing fan, was surprised at how satisfying it was. The crunchy exterior and tender inside perfectly mimic the texture of buffalo wings, but with a lighter twist that leaves you feeling good about going back for seconds (or thirds!).
What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. When you have an air fryer, it feels like magic—the cauliflower gets crispy without the need for excessive oil, and the flavor? Well, that’s where the hot sauce, butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese work their magic. I’ve since made this dish countless times, tweaking the level of spice or the garnishes depending on who I’m serving. It’s become a family staple, requested at almost every gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be hard to go back to regular buffalo wings!
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just craving a quick snack, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a healthier twist on a classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the perfect appetizer for game days, gatherings, or simply indulging on a weekend afternoon.
Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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Ingredients
- 1/2 pound cauliflower florets (about 2 cups), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1-2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to make the buffalo sauce. Set aside for later.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F, allowing it to warm up for about 5 minutes.
- Season the cauliflower florets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the beaten egg and mix until the cauliflower is well-coated.
- In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Roll the cauliflower pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Lightly spray the coated cauliflower with cooking oil, ensuring full coverage to prevent burning.
- Prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with oil or lining it with a perforated silicone mat. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer.
- Cook in the air fryer at 360°F for 8 minutes, then gently flip the cauliflower. Spray any remaining dry spots with oil and cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and toss it in the prepared buffalo sauce, ensuring an even coat.
- For a crispier finish, return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook at 380°F for an additional 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions before serving.
Storing Suggestion
Leftover buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Cooking Tips
If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce, or use a milder variety. You can also add a dash of honey for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce on the side. This dish pairs well with a side of celery sticks or a fresh salad for balance.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Vegan butter and a plant-based egg substitute can be used to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Variations
In the summer, try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh twist. In the fall, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, earthy flavor.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and eggs. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. For egg allergies, substitute with a flax egg or aquafaba.
FAQ:
How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?
To make the cauliflower crispier, lightly spray it with oil before cooking and ensure that it’s in a single layer in the air fryer. Frying at a higher temperature for a few extra minutes can also help achieve a crispier texture.
Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Yes! You can bake the cauliflower at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What other sauces can I use?
You can try different sauces like BBQ, teriyaki, or sweet chili for a unique flavor twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using vegan butter and a plant-based egg substitute, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare the cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower up to the point of air frying. Store the coated cauliflower in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound cauliflower florets about 2 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot or Tabasco
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1-2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Mix the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the cauliflower florets with these seasonings and any other optional spices you like. Add the beaten egg and toss to coat the cauliflower evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dredge the cauliflower pieces in this mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Spray all sides of the coated cauliflower with cooking oil. Ensure there are no dry spots to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil (or line it with a perforated silicone mat or parchment paper) and arrange the cauliflower in a single layer.
- Air fry at 360°F for 8 minutes. Flip the cauliflower gently and spray any dry spots with oil.
- Continue air frying at 360°F for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown or to your desired texture.
- Toss the cauliflower with the prepared buffalo sauce.
- For extra crispiness or reheating, air fry the sauced cauliflower at 380°F for about 3 minutes or until it reaches your preferred texture. Garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, and/or green onions if desired.
