This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is simple, saucy, and easy to make in the air fryer. The florets come out perfectly tender, crisp and plenty of classic buffalo flavor.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

• Tender cauliflower air fried with bold buffalo wing flavor
• Veggie alternative to chicken wings
• Quick and easy to make in the air fryer
• Great as a side dish or a tangy appetizer
• Serve with celery and blue cheese for dipping

If you love buffalo flavor but want something lighter than wings, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect answer. The florets get coated in warm buffalo sauce that sticks to every bite. And the best part is that there’s no breading, no complicated steps, and no mess to deal with.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. It works as a quick snack, a tasty appetizer, or an easy side when you want something delicious but quick and easy. It comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and tastes amazing straight out of the air fryer. Add celery and a side of my homemade blue cheese dressing and it’s ready to serve.

Looking for other veggies loaded with buffalo flavor? Be sure to try my Buffalo Cole Slaw.

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

• Cauliflower
• Buffalo Wing Sauce
• Optional: Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Air fryer
• Brush

🔪 How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes.

Wash, dry and cut the cauliflower into bite size florets, then add them to a mixing bowl.

Pour most of the buffalo wing sauce over the cauliflower.

Toss to combine, then transfer to the air fryer basket, that’s been sprayed with olive oil, in a single layer.

Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Remove and brush the remaining wing sauce over the tops of the cauliflower and continue cooking 5-7 minutes more or until tender.

Serve with the (optional) blue cheese dressing for dipping on the side.

☑️ Storage Instruction

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended since the texture softens too much.

🍴 What to Serve with Buffalo Air Fryer

As an appetizer you can serve this cauliflower with a dipping sauce like my Blue Cheese Dressing or my Ranch Dressing.

You can also serve it as a side with almost any of your favorite main course dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Steak– Cast Iron Steak with Mushrooms, Air Fryer Steak and Grilled Steak with Compound Butter. 

• Chicken- French Onion Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Keto Lemon Chicken.

• Pork- Pan Fried Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Stuffed Pork Loin.

• Seafood– Red Snapper with Compound Butter, Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers and Baked Salmon with Asparagus. 

💡 Tips

• Dry the cauliflower well before tossing so the sauce sticks better.
• Keep the florets close in size to avoid uneven cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the cauliflower will steam.
• Watch closely during the last few minutes since air fryers vary.
• Serve hot, right away for the best texture.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Steaks: Use cauliflower steaks instead of florets for a fork and knife version that works well as a side dish.

• Topping: Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or feta right after cooking so it softens slightly.

• Paprika: Add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note without changing the heat level.

• Salad style: Serve it over chopped romaine for a buffalo cauliflower salad instead of serving it as a standalone appetizer.

• Cheese: Toss the cooked cauliflower with a small handful of shredded mozzarella and air fry briefly until just melted.

• Veggie wrap: Use the buffalo cauliflower as a filling for low carb lettuce cups.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

It is best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer to bring back some texture.

Why is My Cauliflower Soggy?

Too much moisture or overcrowding the basket can cause steaming instead of air frying.

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?

Fresh works best since frozen releases extra moisture during cooking.

Is This Cauliflower Very Spicy?

The heat depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. If you’re using my sauce recipe, you can adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I Use Store-Bought Buffalo Sauce?

You can, but read the label. Many brands are made with canola oil or other oils that are not keto-friendly.

🍽️ More Buffalo Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Casserole
• Buffalo Deviled Eggs
• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
• Buffalo Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese
• Buffalo Cheese Sauce & Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders