Buffalo Cauliflower That Actually Slaps
How to make incredibly crispy, saucy, and satisfying buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer.
Let's get one thing straight. This is not health food, nor is it some sad, diet-culture version of a buffalo wing. This is just really, really good food that happens to be made from cauliflower.
The Ninja Foodi (air fryer) is our secret weapon here, creating a satisfyingly crispy coating without the hassle of a deep-fried, oily apocalypse in your kitchen.
This is the perfect lighter-than-chicken appetizer or, in our house, a double-batch dinner where forks become weapons.
Feel free to make it as mild as you like—or, if you’re like us, as spicy as hell.
How-To: Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Yields: 8 servings
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower:
2 medium heads of cauliflower, broken into large florets
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
¾ cup plain, unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
For the Sauce & Serving:
1 cup of your favorite store-bought Buffalo Sauce (or our Honey-Kissed Buffalo Sauce)
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions:
Prep the Cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. Patting them dry is crucial for helping the batter stick.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the milk and whisk until you have a smooth, pancake-like batter.
Coat the Florets: Add the dry cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Lift each floret, allowing any excess batter to drip off.
First Cook (The Crisp): Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary for the crispiest results. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, until the batter is set and light golden brown.
Sauce the Bites: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and gently toss until every piece is coated.
Second Cook (The Finish): Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the coating is extra crispy and beautifully browned in spots.
Serve Immediately: Remove the bites from the air fryer, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with carrot sticks, celery, and your favorite dipping sauce.
Each recipe is the result of plenty of taste-testing. If this becomes a new favorite, 'tipping the chef' is a fun way to fuel the next delicious experiment.
Tips & Notes:
Best Served Fresh: These cauliflower bites are at their crispiest and best when served warm, right out of the air fryer.
Reheating Leftovers: Our family loves making enough for leftovers! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 390°F for 4-6 minutes until hot and crispy again.
