Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

Recipe Help & FAQs

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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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

Scale 1x2x3x

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.

• Author: Riley Morgan
• 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

Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option