This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a bold, spicy appetizer or side dish made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Crispy on the edges, tender on the inside, and coated in a buttery buffalo sauce, it’s a flavorful low carb and gluten-free option that’s perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal prep time and no complicated steps. There’s no breading involved, which keeps the recipe low carb, keto-friendly, and naturally gluten free. The air fryer creates beautifully roasted cauliflower with crispy edges in under 20 minutes.

This recipe delivers all the bold, tangy heat of classic buffalo flavor without needing deep frying. It’s also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Whether you follow a meatless lifestyle or simply love spicy food, this dish is satisfying and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large head fresh cauliflower (approximately 6 cups florets)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing air fryer basket)
1 tablespoon sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Celery sticks or carrot sticks (optional, for serving)

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and trim it into medium to large florets. Try to keep the florets similar in size to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and buffalo sauce until fully combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the cauliflower florets. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.

Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Cook for 8 minutes, then shake the basket to redistribute the florets.

Cook for another 6 minutes and shake again.

Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the edges are browned and slightly crispy. Total cook time will be about 18 to 20 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and floret size.

Transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing and sprinkle with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with celery or carrot sticks on the side.

Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated cauliflower in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown at the edges.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 118 calories per serving

Variations

For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce mixture.

To make it dairy-free or vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dressing.

For a garlic kick, stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder into the sauce before tossing with the cauliflower.

If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweet and spicy balance.

You can also sprinkle grated mozzarella over the hot cauliflower right after cooking for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also reheat in a 400°F oven for about 8 minutes.

Microwaving is possible, but the cauliflower will lose its crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before tossing with sauce. Excess moisture can make the cauliflower soggy.

Does buffalo cauliflower taste like chicken wings?

It doesn’t taste like chicken, but it delivers the same bold, spicy buffalo flavor in a vegetable-based form.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and suitable for most keto meal plans.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the florets and sauce mixture ahead of time and cook just before serving.

Why is my cauliflower not crispy?

Overcrowding the basket or not shaking during cooking can prevent crisping. Make sure the florets are in a single layer.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute with plant-based butter or even a small amount of olive oil.

What dipping sauces pair well with buffalo cauliflower?

Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic choices, but garlic yogurt sauce also works well.

Can I add breading?

Yes, but this version is intentionally made without breading to keep it simple and low carb.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate kick. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a simple yet flavorful dish that proves vegetables can be just as exciting as traditional game day favorites. With only a few ingredients and less than 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something spicy and satisfying. Crispy, tangy, and incredibly easy to make, it’s a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.

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