Buffalo Air Fryer Cauliflower

Name: Buffalo Air Fryer Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce; 2 tbsp butter, melted; Ranch or blue cheese dressing, to serve

Crispy buffalo air fryer cauliflower bites tossed in tangy hot sauce — the ultimate spicy vegetarian game-day snack.

By Adarsh · June 15, 2026

Crispy buffalo cauliflower bites in a basket with ranch, carrots and celery

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 18 min
Total: 33 min
Serves: 4 servings

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These buffalo air fryer cauliflower bites are crispy, tangy, and dangerously snackable — a vegetarian stand-in for hot wings that even meat-eaters fight over. A light batter and panko coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, then get tossed in classic buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese for the full game-day experience.

Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Whisk the flour, water, garlic powder, and salt into a smooth batter.
2
Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, let the excess drip off, then roll in panko to coat.
3
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the florets in a single layer for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
4
Stir the buffalo sauce with the melted butter, then toss the cauliflower until coated.
5
Return to the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to set the sauce. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese.

Notes & Tips

Don't crowd the basket or the florets steam instead of crisping — work in batches. Add the sauce near the end so the coating stays crunchy. Adjust heat by mixing in a little honey for a milder, sweeter buffalo glaze.