Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Jalapeño Ranch

Spicy, buttery and crunchy. These delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower bites are the perfect vegetarian game day or tailgating snack served with jalapeño ranch for dipping.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower. 
• Flour. 
• Eggs. Use a vegan substitute, if necessary.
• Breadcrumbs. I used panko breadcrumbs but use Italian or dried bread crumbs as substitute. Use gluten-free crumbs and flour if needed.
• Garlic powder. 
• Cayenne pepper. 
• Salt and black pepper. 
• Hot sauce. I used Frank’s hot sauce but Tobasco or something similar will work well too.
• Butter. Use vegan butter, if necessary.
• Jalapeño ranch, for serving. You can serve this buffalo cauliflower recipe in the same way you would buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese dressing and celery.

How to make buffalo cauliflower

Season the flour with garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper and place in a shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs with a splash of water or milk in a separate bowl and stir the breadcrumb, garlic powder and salt together in a third, large bowl. Dredge the cauliflower florets first in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs.

Place the cauliflower in an air fryer basket and drizzle with olive oil. Alternatively, deep-fry the cauliflower until crisp and golden in hot oil. Air fry the cauliflower at 200ºC/390ºF for 10 minutes, turn over and cook for another 7-10 minutes until crisp, golden and tender.

To make the buffalo sauce, whisk together the hot sauce with melted butter. Once the cauliflower is cooked, toss the cauliflower in the sauce. The sauce will make the crumbs a little soft so I give the cauliflower another 5-7 minutes in the air fryer to crisp back up.

Make the ranch dressing according to instructions then serve alongside the cauliflower.

Can I bake this instead?

Bake in the oven preheated to 220ºC/430ºF on a baking sheet in a single layer until crisp and golden.

Can I make this ahead?

To prepare this recipe ahead, bread the cauliflower and place on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the fridge for up to 6 hours. I would give the cauliflower another dip through the breadcrumbs right before cooking to ensure a crispy crust. Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.

What to serve with buffalo cauliflower

This is a great appetizer or snack on its own but if you’d prefer to make a meal out of it, I would serve it with other game day favorites like chicken wings, ribs or corn dip.

1. Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings
2. Sticky BBQ ribs
3. Cheesy Corn Dip

Cauliflower recipes

1. Crispy beer battered cauliflower
2. Garlic Parmesan cauliflower
3. Chipotle cauliflower burrito bowls

I always use my Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer when developing air fryer recipes. It is by far the most efficient air fryer I’ve used and the basket size is excellent for a family of 4. This post isn’t sponsored but I am partnered with Instant Pot South Africa.