Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a spicy, crispy snack or appetizer that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for game day or a healthy bite, it pairs beautifully with creamy blue cheese dressing.

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

1. Step 1: Break the head of cauliflower into same-sized florets. In a large bowl, stir together the hot sauce, melted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Add the cauliflower and toss well to coat. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the cauliflower and toss again until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Using tongs, place the cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 350°F, tossing halfway through, until the cauliflower is browned in spots and crispy, about 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: For the blue cheese dressing, 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, then stir until smooth.
4. Step 4: Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower hot with the blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure the cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking in the air fryer.
• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder sauce.
• Try ranch dressing instead of blue cheese if preferred.
• For extra crispiness, spray the cauliflower lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

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 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or reheat in the oven. Keep the blue cheese dressing refrigerated separately for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through. The air fryer produces a crispier texture but oven roasting works well too.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

The cauliflower part is vegan-friendly if you substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan hot sauce. The blue cheese dressing contains dairy, but you can replace it with a vegan dipping sauce to keep the dish fully vegan.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a spicy, tangy twist on classic buffalo wings using crispy cauliflower florets coated in hot sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dressing. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it’s easy to make and delightfully flavorful with a healthier approach using air frying.

• Author: Marco
• 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 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Cauliflower: Break the head of cauliflower into evenly sized florets. In a large bowl, combine Frank’s RedHot Sauce, melted butter, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Toss the cauliflower florets in the mixture until evenly coated. Sprinkle cornstarch over the cauliflower and toss again to coat thoroughly.
2. Air Fry Cauliflower: Using tongs, place the coated cauliflower florets in a preheated air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for about 15 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
3. Make Blue Cheese Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve: Plate the crispy buffalo cauliflower florets and serve alongside the blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy immediately as a spicy appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Make sure cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for the best crispy results.
• Adjust hot sauce amount if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.
• Leftover dressing can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• This recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and using vegan mayo and sour cream.

Keywords: Buffalo Cauliflower, Air Fryer Recipes, Vegetarian Appetizers, Spicy Snacks, Blue Cheese Dressing