Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Crispy, Spicy "Wings")
Two-stage air fryer method for buffalo cauliflower that stays crunchy, not soggy. Brushed (not tossed) in classic buffalo sauce with easy GF/DF swaps.
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Large mixing bowls (2 if using breaded method)
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Oil spray (avocado or olive oil)
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower about 2 lb, cut into 1½–2-inch florets
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup water or milk for richer batter
- ½ cup Frank's RedHot
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp honey optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Cut cauliflower into even florets, rinse, and pat very dry with paper towels.
- Whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water until smooth (thick but pourable).
- Toss florets in batter until fully coated. Lift each out, letting excess drip off.
- Arrange in single layer (work in batches). Lightly spray tops with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until light golden and starting to crisp.
- While cauliflower cooks, gently warm hot sauce, butter, and honey in small saucepan until melted and glossy.
- Brush florets with buffalo sauce. Return to air fryer for 3–5 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.
- Transfer to bowl, brush with extra sauce if desired, and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
Chef's Tip: Pat cauliflower completely dry before coating and don't overcrowd the basket—moisture and crowding create steam, which kills crunch.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 180 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 680mg Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
Calories: 180 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 680mg Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.