Spicy and crispy buffalo cauliflower wings deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers that will make your taste buds dance.
These golden-brown florets packed with buffalo-style heat bring serious flavor to any gathering.
Each bite promises a perfect crunch that rivals traditional chicken wings.
Vegetarians and meat lovers alike can’t resist this zesty dish that turns humble cauliflower into a crave-worthy sensation.
The secret lies in a simple batter and bold sauce that creates an irresistible coating.
Serve these spicy nuggets with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate game-day or party snack.
You’ll want to double the batch because these cauliflower wings disappear faster than you can say “hot and spicy.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 160 kcal
Servings: 5
What’s in Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
For Cauliflower Base:
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm head with tight, creamy white florets ensures crisp texture and even cooking.
Frank's RedHot Sauce: Classic buffalo wing sauce delivering signature tangy, spicy kick to transform bland vegetable.
Butter: Provides rich, smooth coating that helps sauce adhere and creates golden-brown caramelization.
Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture for crispier results.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, savory depth and aromatic background notes.
Cornstarch: Creates protective coating that guarantees extra crunchy exterior when air-fried.
For Dressing Components:
Blue Cheese: Sharp, pungent cheese that delivers creamy, distinctive tang and authentic buffalo wing experience.
Sour Cream: Adds silky texture and mild tanginess to balance spicy cauliflower.
Buttermilk: Introduces subtle acidic brightness and helps thin dressing to perfect consistency.
Mayonnaise: Provides creamy base and helps bind dressing ingredients smoothly.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds warm, subtle heat and complexity to dressing.
For Seasoning Finish:
Kosher Salt: Allows final flavor adjustment and enhances overall taste profile.
Air Fryer Setup for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
Air Fryer: Essential for crispy, evenly cooked cauliflower without excess oil.
Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing cauliflower with hot sauce and cornstarch.
Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly and quickly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for consistent results.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for breaking down cauliflower into florets.
Sharp Knife: Needed to divide cauliflower into even, bite-sized pieces.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower at Home
Veggie Prep Fresh, crisp cauliflower gets transformed into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each floret is roughly the same size for perfect cooking.
Flavor Bath Zesty hot sauce mixed with rich butter creates a mouthwatering coating that will make taste buds dance. Dust the saucy florets with a light cornstarch layer for extra crispiness.
Air Fryer Magic Heated air swirls around the cauliflower, turning them golden and crunchy. Midway through cooking, give the basket a quick shake to ensure even browning.
Creamy Companion A dreamy dipping sauce featuring tangy blue cheese and cool, smooth dairy elements provides the perfect complement to the spicy cauliflower bites.
Serving Style Plate the crispy nuggets alongside the creamy sauce, creating a stunning appetizer or fun side dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Adjustments for Different Heat Levels in Cauliflower
Experiment with different hot sauce varieties like sriracha or habanero for a unique kick that transforms the classic buffalo flavor profile.
Double-coat the cauliflower by dipping in egg wash after cornstarch for an extra crunchy exterior that holds sauce brilliantly.
Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions over the finished buffalo cauliflower to add brightness and fresh garden notes.
Replace blue cheese dressing with ranch, Greek yogurt dip, or spicy chipotle mayo for exciting flavor variations that complement the buffalo heat.
Try this recipe with broccoli, brussels sprouts, or zucchini chunks for a fun twist on the original cauliflower buffalo bites while keeping the same delicious cooking method.
Presenting Buffalo Cauliflower That Looks Tempting
Party Platter Presentation: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging buffalo cauliflower on a large wooden board with celery sticks, carrot strips, and extra dipping sauce. Guests will love the vibrant colors and easy-to-grab bites.
Game Day Companion: Serve these crispy cauliflower nuggets alongside classic chicken wings for a crowd-pleasing football watch party. Vegetarian friends will appreciate having a delicious alternative that matches the spicy wing experience.
Light Meal Magic: Transform this recipe into a complete meal by serving over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa. Top with extra blue cheese dressing and fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
Spice Level Customization: Set up a small sauce bar with different heat intensities – from mild ranch to extra-hot buffalo sauce. This allows each person to adjust the spiciness according to their personal taste preferences.
Store Buffalo Cauliflower for a Quick Snack
Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Crispy texture works best when reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
Batch Preparation: Create multiple batches during weekends and portion into individual meal containers. These make fantastic grab-and-go lunches or quick protein-packed snacks throughout the week.
Freezing Strategy: Uncooked coated cauliflower florets can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags. When ready to cook, place directly in the air fryer without thawing, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
Dressing Longevity: Separate the blue cheese dressing into a sealed container, which maintains freshness for 5-7 days when refrigerated. Always use clean utensils to prevent bacterial contamination and extend the dressing's shelf life.
This delectable buffalo cauliflower recipe delivers spicy, crispy goodness that rivals traditional chicken wings. Crisp baked florets coated in zesty sauce provide a satisfying plant-based alternative you’ll crave at game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 head cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
Sauce Creation: Blend Frank’s hot sauce, unsalted melted butter, kosher salt, and granulated garlic powder into a harmonious, spicy mixture.
Coating Process: Thoroughly enrobe each cauliflower piece in the fiery sauce, then delicately dust with cornstarch, creating a light, crispy exterior layer.
Air Fryer Setup: Activate air fryer at 350°F (175°C), allowing 2-3 minutes for complete temperature calibration.
Cooking Technique: Arrange florets in a strategic, non-overlapping configuration within the air fryer basket, ensuring maximum heat circulation and crispiness.
Culinary Transformation: Roast cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, intermittently agitating the basket to promote even caramelization and textural perfection.
Dipping Sauce Composition: Whisk blue cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise into a creamy, tangy accompaniment.
Final Seasoning: Enhance sauce with subtle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing flavor profiles.
Presentation: Plate golden-brown buffalo cauliflower alongside the zesty blue cheese dressing for a delectable dining experience.
Notes
Floret Uniformity Matters: Cut cauliflower pieces exactly the same size to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
Coating Technique Crucial: Dust cornstarch lightly and evenly to create a perfect crispy exterior without clumping or becoming too heavy.
Basket Arrangement Strategy: Spread florets in a single layer without touching to ensure maximum air circulation and achieve maximum crunchiness.
Sauce Balance Key: Blend blue cheese dressing ingredients carefully, adjusting seasonings for optimal tanginess and creamy texture that complements the spicy buffalo coating.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.