Introduction

Buffalo cauliflower is a spicy, tangy snack that’s perfect for game day or a flavorful appetizer. Using an air fryer makes it crispy without deep frying, giving you a healthier alternative that’s just as delicious. Paired with creamy blue cheese dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower (about 1 1/2 lb.)
3 Tbsp. Frank’s RedHot Sauce
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)
1/4 cup sour cream
3 Tbsp. buttermilk
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Break the head of cauliflower into same-sized florets. In a large bowl, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the cauliflower and toss again until well coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture.
Step 3: Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 350°F, shaking or tossing halfway through, for about 15 minutes or until browned in spots.
Step 4: While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the blue cheese dressing. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir until smooth.
Step 5: Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower warm with the blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking oil before air frying.
Substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese if preferred.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the buffalo sauce mixture for a smoky or spicier kick.
Ensure cauliflower florets are similar size for even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Keep the blue cheese dressing separate and refrigerated, consuming within 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best to achieve a crispy texture. Frozen cauliflower tends to be softer and may become soggy when air fried.

How spicy is this buffalo cauliflower?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce used. Frank’s RedHot Sauce provides a moderate kick, but you can adjust the amount or choose a milder or hotter sauce to suit your taste.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy, spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Tender cauliflower florets are tossed in a flavorful mixture of hot sauce, butter, and spices, then air-fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy blue cheese dressing, this dish is a delicious appetizer or snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower (about 1 1/2 lb.)
3 Tbsp. Frank’s RedHot Sauce
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. cornstarch

Blue Cheese Dressing

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (2 oz.)
1/4 cup sour cream
3 Tbsp. buttermilk
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the cauliflower: Break the head of cauliflower into same-sized florets to ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, combine Frank’s RedHot Sauce, melted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss well to coat them evenly with the sauce mixture. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the cauliflower, tossing again to coat thoroughly; this will help achieve a crisp texture when air-fried.
Air fry the cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Using tongs, place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness. The cauliflower should have browned spots and a crispy exterior when done.
Make the blue cheese dressing: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed, creating a creamy and flavorful dressing.
Serve: Arrange the crispy buffalo cauliflower on a serving platter and serve alongside the blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy this spicy, tangy, and creamy appetizer warm.

Notes

If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of hot sauce used.
Make sure to toss the cauliflower halfway through air frying to ensure it crisps evenly.
This recipe works well for a party appetizer or as a side dish alongside your main courses.
You can substitute blue cheese with ranch dressing for a different creamy dipping option.
Ensure the cauliflower florets are roughly the same size for uniform cooking.

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, spicy cauliflower, blue cheese dip