Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – vegan, spicy, and addictive! The perfect plant-based game-day snack ready in under 30 minutes.
There’s something magical about biting into crispy, spicy, and flavorful buffalo wings. But what if you could enjoy all that delicious heat without chicken, extra oil, or guilt? Enter Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Spicy Vegan Wings. These golden, crispy bites deliver the satisfying crunch you crave, coated in tangy, fiery buffalo sauce. The magic lies in the air fryer—it transforms cauliflower florets into irresistible snack-sized pieces with less oil, fewer calories, and maximum flavor.
Perfect for game day, parties, family movie nights, or just when you’re craving comfort food, these vegan wings are as satisfying as the classic version. The tender cauliflower core pairs beautifully with the spicy coating, giving you that addictive “one more bite” feeling. And because they’re plant-based, they’re lighter on your stomach while still packing bold flavor.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan, looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, or simply love cauliflower in all its forms, this recipe will become your go-to. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and customizable—control the spice level, experiment with sauces, or add fun dips. The best part? You’ll have them ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s dive into the delicious world of buffalo cauliflower!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Spicy Vegan Wings
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for slight sweetness)
For Serving:
- Vegan ranch dressing or vegan blue cheese dip
- Fresh celery sticks
- Fresh carrot sticks
Directions
- Prepare the cauliflower
Wash and dry the cauliflower thoroughly. Cut into evenly sized florets for even cooking. - Make the batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast until smooth. - Coat the cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off excess batter. - Air fry the cauliflower
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly golden. - Prepare buffalo sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a small bowl until combined. - Coat with buffalo sauce
Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over and toss gently to coat. - Final crisp
Return sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 3–4 minutes to set the sauce and crisp up the coating. - Serve immediately
Serve hot with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, alongside celery and carrot sticks.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Spicy Vegan Wings (Detailed)
The key to the perfect buffalo cauliflower lies in three main factors: coating, cooking temperature, and sauce timing.
- Cutting the cauliflower: Uniform pieces cook evenly. Aim for medium-sized florets—too small and they might burn, too big and they may stay soft in the middle.
- The batter: This acts like a crispy shell. The combination of flour and plant-based milk creates a smooth, sticky coating that clings to each piece. Season the batter generously for flavor in every bite.
- Air frying: Preheating the air fryer is crucial. A hot basket helps the batter firm up immediately, creating that crispy texture without deep-frying. Avoid overcrowding—this ensures the hot air circulates around each floret.
- Buffalo sauce coating: Toss the cauliflower in the sauce after the first air fry. This way, the coating stays intact, and the sauce soaks in without making the florets soggy. A quick second air fry after saucing locks in flavor.
By following this process, you’ll get tender cauliflower inside and a crispy, fiery coating outside—just like traditional wings, but 100% plant-based.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes (washing, cutting, and batter preparation)
- Cooking time: 15–20 minutes, depending on the air fryer model
- Total time: 25–30 minutes from start to finish
This makes it one of the quickest vegan appetizers you can whip up, perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests.
Servings
This recipe makes 4 servings as a side dish or appetizer, or 2 servings as a main meal for hungry wing lovers.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make buffalo cauliflower without flour?
Yes. You can use almond flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free, high-protein alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q2: How do I make these less spicy?
Use a milder hot sauce or mix buffalo sauce with extra vegan butter or a splash of plant-based milk to tone down the heat.
Q3: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in buffalo sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Q4: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can cut and batter the cauliflower in advance, but for the best results, air fry them fresh right before serving.
Q5: What dips go best with buffalo cauliflower?
Vegan ranch and vegan blue cheese dressing are classic. You can also try tahini sauce, avocado dip, or garlic aioli.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower proves that vegan snacks can be just as indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying as their meaty counterparts. With its crispy golden coating, tender center, and mouthwatering spicy kick, it’s the ultimate plant-based comfort food. The air fryer makes the process healthier, quicker, and mess-free compared to deep frying, while still delivering restaurant-quality results.
What’s even better is how versatile this recipe is—you can adjust the spice level, switch up the sauce, or add creative toppings. It’s a dish that works for everything from game-day spreads to weeknight dinners. Pair it with fresh veggies and your favorite vegan dip, and you’ve got a snack that everyone will reach for, vegan or not.
So, next time you’re craving something bold and addictive, skip the takeout and make these spicy vegan wings at home. They’re crunchy, saucy, and so easy that you might find yourself making them more often than you planned. One bite, and you’ll see why buffalo cauliflower has become a global vegan sensation.
