The Ultimate Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Nachos (Crispy & Flavor-Packed!)

Looking for the ultimate game-day snack that’s crispy, spicy, and completely plant-based? These Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Nachos are a must-try! Made with crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower, savory plant-based protein, and a creamy, dairy-free nacho cheese sauce, this recipe is perfect for parties, Super Bowl gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a flavor-packed appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, Spicy, & Cheesy – Every bite is loaded with bold buffalo flavors and a creamy, cheesy finish.

Air Fryer or Oven-Baked – Get that crispy texture without deep frying!

Protein-Packed – With vegan beef and cashew-based nacho cheese, this dish has a great protein boost.

Perfect for Game Day – The ultimate vegan Super Bowl food or party appetizer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Buffalo Cauliflower:

• Cauliflower, broken into large florets
• All-purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• Corn Starch (helps with crispiness!)
• Garlic Powder
• Smoked Paprika
• Sea Salt
• Soy Milk (or oat milk for nut-free)
• Buffalo Sauce (I love Primal Kitchen!)

Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• Russet Potato, peeled & roughly chopped
• Carrots, peeled & chopped
• Cashews (soaked in hot water)
• Avocado Oil (or olive oil)
• Onion, roughly chopped
• Jalapeño (add more for extra heat!)
• Full-fat Coconut Milk (or ¾ cup soy milk for a lighter option)
• Filtered Water
• Lemon, juice from
• Dijon Mustard
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Nutritional Yeast (adds that cheesy flavor!)
• Sea Salt, to taste

For the Toppings & Assembly

• Vegan Beef, cooked until crispy
• Guacamole
• Roma Tomato, roughly chopped
• Green Onion
• Vegan Sour Cream

How to Make Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Nachos

Step 1: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce

1️⃣ Boil the potatoes in a pot of water over high heat for 15 minutes. Add carrots and boil for another 5 minutes. Add cashews and cook until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a pan over medium heat, add avocado oil, onions, and jalapeño slices. Sauté until onions are translucent (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

3️⃣ Blend the boiled vegetables, sautéed onions, and remaining cheese sauce ingredients until smooth. Taste and add salt as needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep & Air Fry the Buffalo Cauliflower

1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Slowly whisk in the soy milk until smooth.

2️⃣ Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

3️⃣ Air Fryer Method: Place in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4️⃣ Remove from the air fryer and toss in buffalo sauce. Return to the air fryer for another 5 minutes for crispy perfection! (For oven-baked, see FAQs!)

Step 3: Cook the Vegan Beef

While the cauliflower is cooking, sauté the beef in a pan over medium-high heat until crispy and browned.

Step 4: Assemble the Nachos

1️⃣ Spread the crispy buffalo cauliflower on a serving plate.

2️⃣ Top with nacho cheese sauce, Abbot’s beef, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro.

3️⃣ Drizzle with vegan sour cream and serve immediately!

Tips for the Best Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Nachos

Make It Extra Crispy – Toss the cauliflower halfway through cooking and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Adjust the Spice – Add extra jalapeños to the nacho cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat!

Make-Ahead Tip – The cheese sauce can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

1. Can I bake the buffalo cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, toss in buffalo sauce, then return to the oven for 10 more minutes until crispy.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

3. What’s the best vegan buffalo sauce?

Primal Kitchen and Frank’s RedHot both make vegan buffalo sauces without artificial ingredients.

4. Can I store leftovers?

These nachos are best fresh, but you can store the buffalo cauliflower separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

🌶 Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or a drizzle of vegan ranch for extra flavor.

🥦 Loaded Veggie Nachos – Add shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or black beans for more texture.

Perfect for Game Day

These Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Nachos are the ultimate plant-based party food—perfect for game day, gatherings, or just a delicious snack! Give them a try and let me know your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to tag me on INSTAGRAM if you make them!

Related Recipes to Try Next:

• 🧀 Vegan Nacho Cheese – Use this recipe to slather all over the buffalo cauliflower.
• 🥗 Buffalo Cauliflower Salad – To get the satisfying buffalo taste without the heaviness.