Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe (No Breading)
This easy air fryer buffalo cauliflower is crispy on the edges, tender inside, and coated in bold, buttery buffalo sauce. Made without breading, it’s a low carb, gluten-free appetizer or side dish ready in under 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 large head fresh cauliflower (about 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 basket)
- 1 tablespoon sliced green onions (optional)
- Celery sticks or carrot sticks (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. Place in a large bowl.
- Whisk together melted butter and buffalo sauce. Pour over cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, then shake the basket.
- Cook another 6 minutes and shake again.
- Continue cooking for 4–5 more minutes until tender with browned, crispy edges (about 18–20 minutes total).
- Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free dressing.
- Mix in 1–2 tablespoons honey for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
