Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

4.74 from 53 votes

Aug 28, 2019, Updated Jun 14, 2024

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Experience the bold and zesty flavors of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a tasty vegetarian alternative to classic buffalo wings. These bites are not only delicious and light but also boast the perfect kick of spice. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even in the oven.

Cauliflower florets topped with hot sauce and served in a bowl with celery sticks. Bleu cheese dressing is placed at the top right of the bowl.

Spice up your kitchen with the vibrant flavors of buffalo cauliflower cooked in the trusty air fryer. If you’re wondering how to make air fryer buffalo cauliflower, you’re in for a treat! Thanks to their delicious similarity to traditional buffalo chicken wings, I’d like to introduce you to these buffalo cauliflower bites, often dubbed buffalo cauliflower wings.

They’re a fantastic alternative to the beloved buffalo essence, secretly incorporating veggies and bypassing the need for deep-frying. Prepared with flour breading and a buttery wing sauce, these cauliflower bites are incredible! They make a great addition to salads or wraps!

If you’re looking for some classics, though, click over to this creamy stovetop buffalo chicken dip. And while you’re here, grab this similar recipe for sticky sesame cauliflower bites – it’s a GOOD one.

Why You’ll Enjoy These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Nutritious: It’s a lighter take on a fan-favorite – the buffalo chicken wing. You’re getting all the tantalizing flavors of the classic dish but with a hefty dose of veggies and fewer calories.
Customizable: Whether you’re catering to a vegan, vegetarian, or keto-friendly, this dish fits the bill. The fact that it can be prepared in the air fryer or baked in the oven only adds to the love.
Versatile: Each bite offers a crispy, tangy flavor that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Recipe Ingredients

Cauliflower: Separate a head of cauliflower into florets, or grab some pre-cut florets, about 5 cups.
For the buffalo sauce, you’ll need butter, olive oil, and hot sauce.
If using the crunchy breading, you will need flour, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley.

Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce in a measuring cup.

Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites in a black air fryer basket.

How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Prep the cauliflower. Start with cutting up a head of cauliflower into florets and put those in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the wing sauce. Next, melt some butter and mix in a good dose of hot sauce into it. I use Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Pour the hot sauce mixture over the cauliflower florets and mix them around.
Make the breading. Whisk together all-purpose flour or almond flour with seasoning salt, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
Toss the florets with the breading. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the cauliflower florets and gently stir them around so that all florets are coated.
Cook the cauliflower in the Air Fryer. Air Fry half of the cauliflower bites at 350˚F for 15 minutes, shaking the florets a couple of times during the cooking process. If you want them crispier, try cooking for 2 minutes longer.
Or, roast them in the oven. Place prepared cauliflower florets on a foil-lined pan in one single layer and bake them for 15 minutes at 450˚F. Gently stir the cauliflower halfway through cooking.
Serve. Serve immediately with a side of celery sticks and a creamy dipping sauce like ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing, and more hot sauce.

Recipe Tips And Variations

Size Matters: When cutting your cauliflower into florets, try to keep them about the same size for even cooking.
Spice It Up: You can easily adjust the spiciness of your buffalo sauce to match your preference. Feel free to add extra hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of Sriracha. You could also add onion powder and paprika to the seasoning mix.
Toss, Don’t Drown: When coating the cauliflower in sauce, make sure every piece gets a bit of flavor, but avoid drenching them. Too much sauce will make the florets mushy and soggy.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare your cauliflower and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and toss them just before cooking to keep everything fresh. You will need to heat up the hot sauce and give it a good stir before using
Avoid crowding: Don’t cram the air fryer basket so to prevent your cauliflower bites from turning soggy. Cook in two batches to ensure adequate airflow around each piece.
Crunch: If the crunch factor isn’t meeting your expectation, a quick 2-minute re-run in the air fryer should do the trick. Alternatively, a couple of minutes under the broiler works too.

Cauliflower florets topped with hot sauce and served in a bowl with celery sticks.

Proper Storage

While cauliflower bites taste best when served immediately, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, spread the cooled cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soak the cauliflower in water before air frying?

Soaking the cauliflower in water before air frying is not necessary.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower to make your air fryer cauliflower bites. For the best texture, thaw the frozen cauliflower first. You can do this by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost option on your microwave.

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4.74 from 53 votes