Some nights, all you want is something bold, snackable, and satisfying—but without the guilt of fried takeout. Enter air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings. They’ve become a weeknight obsession in our house. Crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, these little bites disappear faster than I can serve them. Whether it’s game day, Meatless Monday, or a simple craving for heat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser—yes, even for the kids.
💡 Morgan Tip:To get that deep-fried texture, use parchment and don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Space = crisp!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings are everything you love about classic wings—without the meat or the mess. Here’s what makes them irresistible:
- Bold flavor – Tangy, spicy buffalo sauce clings to every crispy crevice.
- Lighter than wings – All the flavor, none of the fryer oil.
- Perfect texture – The air fryer gives a crisp outer layer with a soft, chewy inside.
- Easy prep, fast clean-up – No deep frying, no oil splatter.
- Totally versatile – Make them vegan or gluten-free in a snap.
💡 Morgan Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter for a deeper, almost grilled flavor. It makes the cauliflower wings taste like they came straight off a pub menu.
air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings Ingredient
Here’s what you need to whip up these spicy air-fried bites:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water or plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot works great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (vegan if preferred)
💡 Morgan Tip: Want gluten-free air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings ? Swap the flour with chickpea flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend—it holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instruction
Step 1 – Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
Step 2 – Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
Step 3 – Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 4 – Cook the First Round
Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 5 – Toss in Buffalo Sauce
Mix buffalo sauce with oil or butter in a bowl. Toss cooked cauliflower gently until coated.
Step 6 – Final Crisp
Return coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for another 4–5 minutes.
💡 Morgan Tip: For extra crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings, let the battered florets rest for 10 minutes before frying. It helps the coating set!
My Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Tips
- Dry the cauliflower after washing—moisture = sogginess.
- Don’t skip flipping halfway; it ensures every side gets crispy.
- Make it milder for kids by using a honey-buffalo blend.
- Use parchment liners with holes to prevent sticking.
💡 Morgan Tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, keep the cooked wings warm in a 250°F oven while you finish the next batch. No soggy wings here!
Serving Ideas
These air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings shine as a snack, side, or party star. Try these ideas:
- Game-day platter with ranch, celery sticks, and carrots
- Tucked into tacos with slaw and blue cheese dressing
- Over salads for a spicy protein alternative
- On rice bowls with avocado and green onions
💡 Morgan Tip: Make mini sliders with soft buns, a few buffalo florets, lettuce, and drizzle with ranch. They’re wildly addictive!
Recipe Help & FAQs
How do I keep cauliflower wings crispy in the air fryer?
Don’t overcrowd the basket, flip halfway, and use minimal sauce before the second fry. For extra crisp, use a wire rack for cooling.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes! But a small amount of oil (or vegan butter) mixed with the sauce enhances flavor and texture.
How spicy are air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings?
They’re medium-hot with standard buffalo sauce. For milder heat, mix in honey or a little yogurt with the sauce.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the first round, store in the fridge, then sauce and crisp before serving. Perfect make-ahead party food!
💡 Morgan Tip: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll be crisp again without drying out.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Description:
Crispy, bold, and totally addictive—these air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings make the perfect party snack or meatless main dish with none of the mess of frying!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup water or plant-based milk
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp salt
1 cup buffalo wing sauce
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (vegan if desired)
Instructions
Instructions:
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2 – Make the Batter: Whisk together flour, water or milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
Step 3 – Coat the Cauliflower: Dip cauliflower florets into batter, shaking off excess. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 4 – Air Fry the First Round: Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5 – Toss in Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, combine buffalo sauce with oil or butter and toss cooked florets gently until coated.
Step 6 – Final Crisp Pass: Return cauliflower to the air fryer for 4–5 more minutes until crisp.
Notes
Notes:
Don’t crowd the basket to allow for proper airflow.
Use parchment with holes to prevent sticking.
For less heat, mix buffalo sauce with honey or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings, spicy vegan wings, crispy cauliflower
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Let’s make something amazing—even on the wild days.
🔥 Love Air Fryer Veggie Snacks?
Whether you’re cooking for one or looking to add more veggie power to your air fryer lineup, check out these easy and delicious recipes:
Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option