Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
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

This post contains affiliate links.

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

Add your review

Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe 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.

How to make air fryer buffalo cauliflower

Three steps and you’re done. For the full recipe with process photos, jump to the recipe card.

Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets
Toss with buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated
Arrange in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes until fork tender and slightly browned at the edges

How to serve this buffalo cauliflower recipe

The classic pairing is a creamy dip and celery sticks, and there’s a reason it’s classic. The cool, creamy dip against the hot, tangy cauliflower is the contrast that makes the whole thing work. My vegan ranch dressing is my go-to here and it takes about five minutes to make.

For a game day spread, these work beautifully alongside my buffalo chickpea wraps for a fully buffalo-themed appetizer table. They’re also excellent crumbled over a salad, scattered on top of my roasted cauliflower salad in particular, where they add heat and crunch against the creamier elements.

And if you’ve got the other half head of cauliflower sitting on the counter, my roasted cauliflower tacos use it up perfectly.

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!

Storing buffalo cauliflower wings

These are best eaten immediately while the edges are still crispy. That said, leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat and restore the texture, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for three to four minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but softens the edges significantly. Avoid it if crispiness is your goal.

These don’t freeze well. The cauliflower releases too much moisture when thawing and the texture doesn’t recover.

rate pin print remove ads