Name: Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ½ head cauliflower; ½ cup buffalo sauce (we used Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce, 120 mL); 2 Tbsp olive oil (30 mL); 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; To serve: creamy dip (like ranch or bleu cheese) and celery stalks

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With over hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can be sure these air fried buffalo cauliflower bites will be a hit! With just 5 ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to make (and ready in under 20 minutes). They’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and pair deliciously with your favorite creamy dip.

Roasted buffalo cauliflower florets on a wire rack baking sheet, with a bowl of celery sticks and a small dish of ranch dressing nearby.

I absolutely love making air fryer recipes, and this one is at the top of my list. It’s perfect when you’re looking for something savory and totally satisfying.

Since this cauliflower has no breading and is cooked in an air fryer, it’s a great healthy alternative to fried buffalo wings (and my bet is you’ll like them more than traditional wings – check the reader comment below!).

Reader rating

★★★★★

“Delicious! My husband said he liked it better than Buffalo Wild Wings chicken wings.” —DL

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Close up photo of orange cauliflower with buffalo sauce, celery, and ranch. — Cooking in the air fryer gives the outside a crispy texture, meaning you don’t need to deep fry these (like traditional buffalo wings)!

Key Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients that together make the best buffalo cauliflower…ever. Jump to the recipe card for all measurements!

Cauliflower: We tested both whole heads and pre-cut bags. Fresh florets work best, cut to even bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Buffalo Sauce: We love Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce for its classic tangy heat, but any buffalo-style sauce works.
Olive Oil: Helps the cauliflower edges caramelize in the air fryer. Avocado oil also tested well.
Garlic Powder & Salt: Simple pantry seasoning that boosts flavor and balances heat.

Want them breaded?

While these do get crispy in the air fryer, I can understand wanting a breaded wing! To do this, follow this guide to Sticky Orange Cauliflower (without the sticky orange sauce, of course!). The breading works well in the air fryer, then you would just drizzle on buffalo sauce after cooking!

Air fryer buffalo cauliflower on a plate with celery.

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Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Air Fryer)

4.75 from 465 ratings

By: Sarah Bond

Prep: 5

Cook: 15

Total: 20

Servings: servings

My air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings are a guaranteed hit! Just 5 ingredients and 20 minutes for the perfect spicy, crispy appetizer or side.

Ingredients

▢ ½ head cauliflower
▢ ½ cup buffalo sauce, we used Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce, 120 mL
▢ 2 Tbsp olive oil, 30 mL
▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ To serve: creamy dip (like ranch or bleu cheese) and celery stalks

Instructions

Prep: Cut ½ head cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a large bowl, gently stir together cauliflower, ½ cup buffalo sauce, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp salt.
Cook: Lightly grease your air fryer basket or rack. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer (working in batches if they don't all fit in a single layer). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fork tender and slightly browned.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks.