Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets — fresh and firm gives the best crunch; avoid limp or old cauliflower.); 2 tablespoons olive oil — helps get a golden (crisp exterior in the air fryer.); 1 teaspoon garlic powder — adds savory depth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.; 1 teaspoon paprika — gives color (a mild smoky note, and enhances appearance.); Pinch of salt — balances all the flavors; don’t skip it.; ½ cup buffalo sauce — choose a brand or homemade; this is your spicy punch.; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — melts into the sauce to give richness. Using unsalted helps control the final salt level.

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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe | Crispy Spicy Snack

I just tried this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, and wow, it hit all the right spots. I wanted something crispy, spicy, and satisfying but without frying in gallons of oil. When I bit into the first floret, the crunch and buffalo kick surprised me—in a good way!

The sauce coats each piece just enough, with a buttery heat that makes you want more. I served it as a snack for friends, and by the end, the plate was totally emptied. If you’re into quick air-fried dishes, you can also enjoy this hot honey air fryer salmon recipe for a sweet-heat twist on seafood.

Ingredients Section

Here’s what I used, with amounts, and why each matters:

1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets) — fresh and firm gives the best crunch; avoid limp or old cauliflower.
2 tablespoons olive oil — helps get a golden, crisp exterior in the air fryer.
1 teaspoon garlic powder — adds savory depth without overpowering the buffalo flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika — gives color, a mild smoky note, and enhances appearance.
Pinch of salt — balances all the flavors; don’t skip it.
½ cup buffalo sauce — choose a brand or homemade; this is your spicy punch.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter — melts into the sauce to give richness. Using unsalted helps control the final salt level.

Note: this recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or snack.

Variations

Here are alternate options if you want to adapt this recipe (dairy-free, different flavors, etc.):

Vegan / dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter (or margarine) instead of unsalted butter. Use a vegan buffalo sauce if needed.
Milder heat: Choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount.
Extra spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or use a “hot” buffalo sauce to turn up the heat.
Flavor twists: Smoke-paprika or chipotle paprika adds a smoky edge.
Crunch enhancer: After tossing with sauce, sprinkle panko crumbs or crushed cornflakes and air fry for a minute more for extra texture.

For even more creative spins, browse these other air fryer recipes that work with the same quick-cooking technique.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Air fryer — to crisp the cauliflower with hot circulating air rather than frying in oil.
Mixing bowl — toss cauliflower with oil, spices, etc., so each floret is coated well.
Small saucepan — to melt butter and mix with buffalo sauce.
Measuring spoons/cups — to get consistent flavor and avoid over/under seasoning.
Tongs or spatula — for transferring cauliflower to the air fryer basket and for tossing with sauce.

How to Make an Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash the cauliflower and cut into bite-sized florets. Making them fairly uniform helps ensure even cooking and avoids some pieces being overcooked while others are underdone. Dry them lightly so oil and seasonings clings instead of slipping off.

Season and Air Fry

In a bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt until everything is coated.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C), then spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, giving the basket a shake or flipping halfway through to ensure all sides crisp up.

Make Sauce and Finish

While cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter and combine it with buffalo sauce so the sauce is warm and well-blended.

Once the cauliflower is done, move it to a bowl and toss it with the sauce until every floret is well coated. Serve immediately so the texture is still crisp and the sauce still vibrant.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Dry the cauliflower completely before seasoning for maximum crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—space equals crunch.
Warm the buffalo sauce slightly so it clings better.
Taste and adjust the sauce with extra butter or hot sauce for perfect heat.
Let the florets rest a minute before serving to slightly set the sauce.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

Serve on a platter with parchment to catch drips and highlight the vibrant orange.
Garnish with parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Offer crunchy celery and carrot sticks as cooling sides.
Pair with ranch or blue cheese dip for creamy balance.
Love classic game-day flavors? Try pairing these with air fryer wings for the ultimate spicy spread.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 168 kcal per serving
Protein: ~ 4 g
Carbohydrates: ~ 14 g
Fat: ~ 10 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store cooled buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. The texture softens slightly but is still tasty.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back crispness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Quick and easy: Minimal prep and simple steps.
Lighter indulgence: All the buffalo flavor without deep-frying.
Customizable: Adjust heat, make it vegan, or change sauces.
Crowd-pleaser: Works as a party appetizer or weeknight snack.
Vibrant and flavorful: Crisp outside, tender inside, with a bright buffalo kick.

Ash Tyrrell