Buffalo Cauliflower is the healthy, gluten-free, vegan version of your favorite buffalo wings recipe. Crisp seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer then toss them in a quick, zesty homemade buffalo sauce for a fiery, mouthwatering appetizer, game day snack, or entree.

a bowl of Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with a side of ranch dipping sauce

Wings are always requested in my house for game day but I’m not a fan of chicken wings. My healthy compromise are these delicious gluten free and vegan air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings.

plated buffalo cauliflower bites with a side of ranch

There are many recipe variations, and Buffalo Wild Wings and Erewhon are among the most popular. With this recipe, I’ll show you how to make the best buffalo cauliflower wings right at home.

I smother them in a spicy from scratch buffalo sauce that packs the perfect kick. We love to dip them in ranch to offset the spicy and give it some tangy flavor.

Looking for more ways to prepare cauiflower? Check out other cauliflower recipes like this Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce and Oven Roasted Cauliflower next.

Is buffalo cauliflower healthier than wings?

Enjoy buffalo cauliflower wings as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Cauliflower is low-carb with fewer calories than chicken wings. There’s also no flour, batter, or deep frying involved.

Do cauliflower wings taste like meat?

These buffalo cauliflower bites do not taste like chicken but when roasted in the air fryer, they have a crispy texture like classic wings. Add your favorite buffalo sauce and this crispy, saucy dish will definitely satisfy your craving.

What to eat buffalo cauliflower with?

I love to pair buffalo cauliflower with cool, creamy ranch but blue cheese dressing is another classic dip option. Add celery and carrot sticks for a fresh, crunchy side that helps cool down the heat. For a more substantial meal, pair the wings with a side salad or roasted potatoes.

a bowl of Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with ranch dip

Ingredients

Cauliflower Florets: What I love most about cauliflower is that it serves as a blank canvas. It absorbs flavors well so it tastes however you season it.
Oil: Avocado oil is perfect for high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point. It helps the cauliflower become crispy in the air fryer. Drizzle the oil over the cauliflower and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Sea salt: This enhances the overall flavor but also draws out excess moisture for a crispy texture.

Sauce

Vegan butter: This provides a rich, creamy base for the buffalo sauce, so it sticks well to the surface of the cauliflower.
Tapioca starch: You need a thickening agent for the buffalo sauce so it clings to the veggie. I prefer tapioca starch but you can use any starch (arrowroot, potato, and corn).
Hot sauce: This is the key to that signature buffalo flavor. We love Tapatio and Cholula.
Apple cider vinegar: Balance the richness of the sauce by adding a pop of tangy acidity.
Coconut aminos or tamari: This adds the savory, umami-like flavor of soy sauce without the gluten.
Granulated garlic: This adds savory garlic flavor that makes the sauce taste even better.
Sea salt: This enhances the other flavors.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower

Begin by placing the cauliflower florets in a large bowl.

Drizzle them with avocado oil and sprinkle with sea salt, tossing well to ensure each floret is evenly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 425°F (220°C) and cook the cauliflower for about 12 minutes. My favorite Air Fryer is the Cosori Air Fryer.

cauliflower added to an air fryer basket

While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat.

Once melted, stir in the tapioca starch, hot sauce, cider vinegar, coconut aminos (or tamari), granulated garlic, and sea salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

melting butter in a saucepan for vegan buffalo sauce

a wooden spoon stirring ingredients for buffalo sauce in a pan

After the initial 12 minutes of air frying, drizzle half of the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.

Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes at the same temperature.

Once done, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and drizzle with the remaining buffalo sauce. Serve the buffalo cauliflower wings warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional wings!

plated Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with a side of dip

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best results, air fry them when reheating.

Tips

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the cauliflower in batches if necessary to ensure each piece is evenly cooked and crispy if you have a low capacity air fryer. The Cosori Air Fryer fits it all with no problem!
Don’t forget to add starch to the sauce. This helps the sauce cling to the cauliflower, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Add the buffalo sauce to the cooked cauliflower. Drizzle half of the buffalo sauce over the partially cooked cauliflower and toss gently. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly during the final minutes of air frying, adding more flavor and crispiness.

close up view of air fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with a side of ranch dip

More Game Day Recipes

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 14

Total Time: 24

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air fryer buffalo cauliflower, Buffalo Cauliflower, Buffalo cauliflower air fryer, Buffalo cauliflower bites, Buffalo cauliflower recipe, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, cauliflower buffalo wings, cauliflower in air fryer, cauliflower wings, cauliflower wings recipe, how to make buffalo cauliflower, recipe for buffalo cauliflower

Servings:

Calories: 121kcal

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Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Air Fryer
Sauce Pan