Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight

Prepare to elevate your snacking and mealtime experience with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings! This recipe transforms humble cauliflower florets into sensational, crispy, and spicy “wings” that are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light main course. Coated in the classic tangy heat of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce, these vegetable bites deliver a fiery kick that will satisfy any buffalo chicken wing enthusiast, all while offering a lighter, plant-based alternative.

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This post was originally published in 2018 and has since been updated with fresh insights and enhanced details for an even better culinary experience.

Why Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a Game Changer

The culinary world has seen a tremendous surge in popularity for plant-based alternatives, and buffalo cauliflower wings have emerged as a front-runner for a good reason. While nothing truly replaces the experience of traditional chicken wings (and rest assured, I still enjoy my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Hot Wings!), these cauliflower bites offer an exceptionally satisfying and flavorful experience in their own right. They provide a fantastic option for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste or texture.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease. It’s not just a passing trend; it’s a testament to how creative and delicious vegetable-centric meals can be. With the magic of an air fryer, you can achieve that sought-after crispy exterior and tender interior in a fraction of the time, and with significantly less oil than deep-frying. This makes them a healthier choice without compromising on the addictive crunch and bold flavor that makes buffalo wings so beloved. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, seeking a quick weeknight appetizer, or rounding out a meal with a vibrant side dish, these buffalo cauliflower wings are guaranteed to be a hit.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Crafting these delectable buffalo cauliflower wings in your air fryer is remarkably simple, requiring just a few steps to achieve perfect crispiness and flavor. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. **Prepare the Cauliflower**: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying a head of cauliflower. Chop it into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking. This usually yields about 4-6 cups of florets.
2. **First Air Fryer Session**: Lightly spray the cauliflower florets with cooking oil. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at a high temperature to start the crisping process.
3. **Prepare the Buffalo Sauce**: While the cauliflower begins to cook, melt butter and combine it with your favorite buffalo sauce in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, creating a rich and spicy coating.
4. **Coat and Return**: Once the initial air frying is complete, transfer the partially cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle generously with the prepared buffalo sauce mixture and toss gently to ensure every floret is evenly coated.
5. **Final Air Fryer Session**: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Continue cooking until the cauliflower is perfectly tender on the inside and wonderfully crispy and charred on the outside. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature and Cook Time

Achieving the perfect texture for your buffalo cauliflower wings hinges on using the right temperature and cook time. For this recipe, I recommend setting your air fryer to a consistent 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This high heat is crucial for ensuring the cauliflower gets beautifully crisp without becoming mushy.

The total cook time for fresh cauliflower is approximately 15 minutes. This is broken down into two main stages: an initial cooking phase to tenderize the cauliflower and start the crisping, and a second phase after saucing to allow the flavors to meld and the exterior to reach peak crispiness. Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary, so always use the suggested times as a guide and adjust slightly based on your specific appliance and desired level of crispness.

Using Frozen Cauliflower

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cauliflower for this recipe, making it even more convenient! However, there’s a small adjustment needed. Frozen cauliflower contains more moisture, which can hinder crisping. To counteract this, you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the total cook time. Ensure the florets are fully defrosted and patted as dry as possible before spraying with oil and placing them in the air fryer. This extra step helps to evaporate excess water, allowing the cauliflower to achieve a crispy texture similar to fresh florets. Start with the recommended 15 minutes, then check for desired crispness and add 3-5 more minutes if needed, shaking the basket halfway through.

Secrets to Crispy and Crunchy Cauliflower

The key to truly crispy and crunchy air fryer buffalo cauliflower lies in a few simple techniques:

• **The Power of Oil**: Oil is essential for achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness. Don’t be shy about lightly spraying your cauliflower florets. I highly recommend using a high-quality oil sprayer (like this one from Amazon) to ensure an even coating without over-saturating. Olive oil or avocado oil work wonderfully here.
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Basket**: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for air frying anything crispy. Overcrowding prevents hot air from circulating effectively around each piece, leading to steaming instead of frying. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in several smaller batches. Your patience will be rewarded with superior crispness.
• **Shake and Flip**: For even cooking and browning, remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through each cooking session. This ensures all sides of the cauliflower get direct contact with the hot air.
• **Cooking Time Matters**: While we provide specific times, monitor your cauliflower during the final cooking stage. The longer you cook it (within reason), the crispier it will become. Keep an eye out for deep golden-brown edges.
• **Optional Breading**: For an extra layer of crunch, you can add a light breading before the first air fryer session. A mixture of almond flour (for low-carb/keto) or regular breadcrumbs, seasoned with a little garlic powder and paprika, can take your crispiness to the next level. Dip the cauliflower in a whisked egg or plant-based milk, then dredge in your chosen breading before air frying.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover buffalo cauliflower wings can be a fantastic treat, but proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining their texture. Once cooled, store any remaining cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While they won’t be quite as crispy as when fresh, they will still retain plenty of flavor.

To reheat, the best method to revive their crispness is by using your air fryer or oven. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy. Place the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped to your liking. If using an oven, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Essential Recipe Tips for Success

• **Prep Ahead**: You can chop your cauliflower a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
• **Spice Level Control**: The amount of buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your preference. For a milder flavor, use slightly less sauce or mix in a touch of extra melted butter or a dairy-free cream. For more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper to your sauce mixture.
• **Even Coating**: When tossing with buffalo sauce, use a large bowl and tongs to ensure every floret is evenly coated. This guarantees maximum flavor in every bite.
• **Serve Immediately**: For the ultimate crispness, serve your buffalo cauliflower wings straight out of the air fryer.
• **Pair with a Cool Dip**: Buffalo wings are always best with a cooling counterpart. A creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is a classic choice. Don’t forget to try my Easy Keto Low Carb Homemade Ranch Dressing for the perfect accompaniment!

Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Cauliflower

These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• **Classic Appetizer**: Serve them hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a generous bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Perfect for game nights, parties, or any gathering.
• **Healthy Side Dish**: Pair them alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty salad for a flavorful and vegetable-packed side.
• **Light Main Course**: For a satisfying vegetarian meal, serve a larger portion with a side of quinoa or brown rice, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a unique taco experience.
• **Game Day Favorite**: An absolute must-have for any sports event spread. They’re quick to make and disappear even faster!

More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and crisping power of your air fryer, you’re in for a treat! It’s an ideal tool for whipping up a variety of delicious appetizers. Explore some of my other favorite air fryer recipes that are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo:

• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Potato Chips
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Air Fryer Croutons
• Air Fryer Ravioli

Delightful Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

Beyond appetizers, the air fryer is a fantastic tool for preparing healthy and flavorful vegetable side dishes with minimal effort. Its ability to roast vegetables quickly and evenly, often imparting a lovely caramelization and tenderness, makes it a kitchen essential. Discover new ways to enjoy your veggies with these air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Loaded Baked Potatoes

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5 from 6 votes

Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a quick roasted and fried recipe for the best vegetable wings! These make an amazing appetizer or side dish. Drizzle these veggies with Frank’s RedHot Buffalo sauce and you’ve got the perfect kick!

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air fryer buffalo cauliflower, Air fryer cauliflower, Air fryer frozen cauliflower

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 101 kcal

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small bites (4-6 cups)
• Cooking oil (I use olive oil)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (measured solid)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, buffalo sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray them thoroughly with cooking oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7 minutes to begin the crisping process.
4. Carefully open the air fryer. Transfer the partially cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared butter and buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower. Toss gently until every floret is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
5. Return the sauced cauliflower back to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are again in a single layer. Continue to cook for an additional 7-8 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the cauliflower wings are golden-brown and wonderfully crisp. Remember that air fryer models can vary, so use your personal judgment to assist with optimal cook time and shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.
6. Once cooked to your desired crispness, remove the buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness.
• If you find the cauliflower is not crisping up to your liking, spritz with a little more oil during cooking.
• The longer you cook the cauliflower, the more it will crisp. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred texture.
• For an extra layer of crunch, consider a light breading (almond flour or breadcrumbs) before the initial air frying step.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe

• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g