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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Notes

  • 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.