Air fryer buffalo cauliflower has a crispy breading and a coating of tangy buffalo sauce. It’s an addictively good vegan and gluten-free appetizer that pairs perfectly with a creamy dipping sauce.
I can’t think of a more delicious way to get in your veggies!
Over the years, buffalo cauliflower wings have taken bars and restaurants by storm. Where black bean burgers used to be the obvious vegetarian or vegan option, now that’s cauliflower’s domain.
Perhaps because cauliflower is easy to find and inexpensive, you’ll often see buffalo cauliflower wings on the appetizer menu. That’s great, because they’re a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike!
When I’m having cauliflower wings, I prefer them to be lightly breaded and then dunked in classic buffalo sauce. And of course, a creamy dressing to cool it all down is a must.
My air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings do all of that. They come together quickly. Plus, they’re vegan and gluten-free with a cornstarch and nutritional yeast coating that adds flavor and crunch.
In this post:
Ingredients for buffalo cauliflower recipe
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe.
Cauliflower: Pick up a small to medium-sized head of cauliflower, and cut off the florets, or use about 14 to 16 ounces of prepared bagged florets.
Tamari: If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari. If not, any soy sauce or soy sauce alternative works here. (Non-dairy milk can be used as a soy-free option.)
Apple cider vinegar: ACV adds tang, fruitiness, and acid.
Onion powder: Onion powder adds savory flavor.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is part of the breading, and it makes the cauliflower extra crispy.
Nutritional yeast flakes: Nutritional yeast is the other half of the breading, and it adds a chicken-y umami. You can find it at Trader Joe’s, natural grocery stores, big box stores like Walmart, or online.
Oil spray: Avocado oil spray is my go-to, but any neutral-flavored oil spray will do.
Vegan butter: Non-dairy butter adds richness and creaminess to the buffalo sauce.
Hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot sauce is my usual choice for anything buffalo flavored.
Step by step instructions
This section shows how to make this recipe at a glance with process photos of the steps. For complete ingredient amounts & instructions, keep scrolling to the recipe card below.
1. Put cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl and season with:
- Tamari
- Apple cider vinegar
- Onion powder
Stir to evenly incorporate.
2. Sprinkle on:
- Cornstarch
- Nutritional yeast
Then stir until all of the florets are coated.
3. Transfer the breaded cauliflower florets to your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer. (Overcrowding makes it difficult for them to get crispy, because they steam.)
Air fry at 400 degrees for 13 minutes, stopping two or three times to spray with oil, and shake the basket for even browning.
Remember: Every air fryer runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own air fryer. Adjust as needed.
4. Melt vegan butter in a bowl in the microwave. Then stir or whisk in hot sauce.
Once the cauliflower wings are crispy, put them in a clean mixing bowl, cover in buffalo sauce, and toss with a spoon until evenly coated.
Tip: I like to wash and reuse the mixing bowl from the first half of this recipe to keep dishes to a minimum.
5. Transfer the vegan cauliflower wings to a serving platter with your preferred dipping sauce.
Make it your own
Make buffalo cauliflower your own by varying the ingredients.
- Swap out tamari: Replace tamari with an equal amount of your preferred soy sauce or soy sauce alternative, like liquid aminos. Or use an equal amount of non-dairy milk.
- Replace the vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar, use an equal amount of rice vinegar, white vinegar, or dill pickle brine.
- Amp up the seasonings: In addition to onion powder, add garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and/or cayenne.
- Use store-bought buffalo sauce: Instead of using homemade buffalo sauce, get a bottle of Trader Joe’s new buffalo sauce made with avocado oil or Frank’s buffalo wing sauce. (Both are vegan.) You’ll need ¼ cup of jarred buffalo sauce for this recipe.
- Instead of coating the cauliflower wings in sauce: Serve the buffalo sauce and creamy dressing separately on the side and dip as desired. (Good for people who are sensitive to heat, and it keeps the wings crisp as long as possible.)
Dipping sauce options
Spicy buffalo cauliflower is best with a cool dipping sauce to balance the heat. Serve them with one of these flavorful sauces:
- Onion and garlic salad dressing (My preferred option)
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Vegan blue cheese dressing
- Vegan dill pickle dip
Serving suggestions
Enjoy buffalo cauliflower on its own as an appetizer, or serve them as part of a larger meal. They go well with any of these side dishes:
Storage instructions
For the optimum texture, buffalo cauliflower wings are best served fresh.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer until warmed through. If necessary, add more buffalo sauce before serving.
If you try this recipe and love it, let me know! Leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It truly makes my day and is such a help!
📖 Recipe
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower
Ingredients
For the cauliflower seasoning
- 14 to 16 ounces cauliflower florets (or a small to medium-sized cauliflower head, broken into florets)
- 2 Tablespoons tamari low-sodium preferred*
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the breaded coating
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Oil spray Avocado oil spray is my preferred option
For vegan buffalo sauce
- 1 Tablespoon vegan butter
- 3 Tablespoons Frank's RedHot sauce or your preferred hot sauce
Instructions
- Put cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Season with tamari, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder. Use a spoon to toss the florets and make sure they're evenly coated.
- Across the top of the cauliflower, sprinkle on cornstarch and nutritional yeast. Then use a spoon to combine as it becomes a batter and coats the cauliflower. (Aim for even coating, but some variation or dry spots are fine.)
- Put the battered florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.** Air fry at 400 degrees for 13 minutes, stopping halfway through to spray with oil and shake the basket. Continue cooking, stopping once or twice more to spray again and shake for even browning.The florets are ready when they're perfectly golden and crunchy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, put vegan butter into a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, until it melts. Then add Frank's RedHot sauce (or your preferred hot sauce), and combine with a spoon or whisk.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, and put it into a large mixing bowl. (I like to rinse and use the same mixing bowl from earlier.) Pour the buffalo sauce onto the cauliflower, and stir to combine, so that everything gets evenly covered in sauce.
- Transfer to a platter. Then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like onion and garlic dressing (my favorite choice), vegan ranch, or vegan blue cheese dressing.
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