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    Home » Whole30

    Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs (Whole30)

    Published: Sep 17, 2020 · Modified: Sep 7, 2022 by Mariah Knight

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    These Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs are perfect for anyone who wants a little spice in their life! You can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, snack, or even as a vegetarian option for a buffalo salad! The recipe is simple, easy to make, and only requires a few healthy ingredients!

    Buffalo meatballs in a white bowl.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Jump to:
    • Why I love this recipe!
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • 🍴Step by Step Instructions
    • Step 3: Toss Meatballs in Buffalo Sauce
    • What makes these Cauliflower Meatballs Healthier?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Helpful Kitchen Tools
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe
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    • 💬 Reviews

    Why I love this recipe!

    The base of the "meatballs" is cauliflower rice, almond flour, and egg which makes them a great gluten-free, Whole30, and Paleo option! You can top them with whatever Buffalo Sauce you prefer, but if you're looking for a dairy-free option you might want to check out Primal Kitchen's Buffalo Sauce. If you follow me on Instagram, you're probably familiar with this brand because I talk about them all the time! I've been cooking with Primal Kitchen's products for almost four years. I love that they use high quality, organic ingredients, and are free from soy, dairy, and sugar!

    Love Primal Kitchen?! Check out some of my other recipes that include their sauce!

    • Baked BBQ Chicken Dinner
    • Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Paleo)
    • Healthy BBQ Chicken Salad (Whole30)
    • Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza
    • Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Wings (Whole30)

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    Overhead shot of buffalo meatball ingredients.
    • Cauliflower Rice - You can make your own, or buy it from the store! They usually have it at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and I've also seen it at Stop and Shop. If you want to make it yourself, see directions below!
    • Almond Flour - I have tested with cassava flour, and the consistency did not come out right - I wouldn't recommend.
    • Egg - I have not tested with an egg-free option! If you do, leave a comment below!
    • Olive Oil - You could also use avocado oil!
    • Buffalo Sauce - I use Primal Kitchen's Buffalo sauce because it has minimal quality ingredients, but you can use any brand you want!

    🍴Step by Step Instructions

    Step 1: Making the Meatballs

    Start by adding the cauliflower rice and almond flour into a mixing bowl. If you don't have pre-made cauliflower rice, see directions below on how to easily make it yourself! Use a fork or whisk to whip your egg. Add the whipped egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into your cauliflower mixture. Mix with a fork until fully combined.

    • Whipped eggs in a glass bowl.
    • Meatball dough in a mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Baking the Meatballs

    Roll the mixture into about 1 inch meatballs, and add them to your air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees (or high) for 30 minutes.

    • Meatballs on baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Baked meatballs on on a baking sheet.

    Step 3: Toss Meatballs in Buffalo Sauce

    Once they're out of the oven, add them to a mixing bowl with a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Mix with a large spoon until fully coated. (If you like them spicy.) You can also add them to a plate, and drizzle buffalo sauce on top for a less spicy option.

    Buffalo sauce drizzled on meatballs.

    What makes these Cauliflower Meatballs Healthier?

    With less than 10 ingredients, these Cauliflower Buffalo Meatballs are a delicious & healthy choice! Cauliflower has been having a moment for the last year - it's versatile, full of fiber, and a great source of antioxidants! Plus it's lower in carbohydrates which makes it a great option for anyone on a lower carb or keto style diet. If you're looking for a healthy Buffalo Sauce, I highly recommend the one I mentioned above. Primal Kitchen is known for their quality ingredients, and they don't use soy, dairy, sugar, or gums/fillers!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make bake them in the oven instead?

    Yes, they can cooked in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Just make sure to place them on a non-stick baking sheet or line your baking sheet with parchment paper. You can bake them at the same temperature - 375 degrees. Baking will take a bit longer. I would set the timer for 30 minutes, but it will probably need closer to 40 minutes. You'll know they're done with the outside is golden brown.

    How to make your own cauliflower rice:

    You can of course purchase pre-packaged cauliflower rice from the grocery store, but it's a lot less expensive to make it yourself! Purchase a start by chopping a head of cauliflower in half. Take one half and chop it into small bite size pieces. Add about two cups of chopped cauliflower into your food processor. Pulse on and off until it becomes a rice consistency. (Takes about 30 seconds.) Repeat until you have enough for the recipe! 

    Should I toss them in Buffalo Sauce, or drizzle it on top?

    That my friend, is completely up to you! If you're planning to eat them all you can toss the whole batch in Buffalo Sauce when they get out of the oven. If you're planning to save some for later, I would hold off on tossing the entire batch. They will store better without sauce. You can add the sauce after you reheat them! If don't want them super spicy, you can drizzle a little on top or serve them with the sauce on the side to dip. I've also served them with BBQ Sauce for my friends who don't like super spicy food!

    Overhead shot of meatballs in a bowl with celery and buffalo sauce.

    Helpful Kitchen Tools

    • Ninja Kitchen Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven - This is what I used to air fry these meatballs! I have a traditional air fryer as well, but I like this one because it's so versatile! You can bake, broil, toast, air fry, and dehydrate. In traditional air fryers, you can't fit a flat sheet pan inside. I like that I can still spread them out easily on a regular baking sheet, even when I use the air fry function.
    • Non-Stick Baking Sheet - If you want to bake them I would recommend you using a non-stick baking sheet, or lining your baking sheet with parchment paper.

    How to store leftovers

    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer! I store mine in an air tight glass container. They will store well for about 5 days in the refrigerator. I have not tested how long they store well for in the freezer, but I would say a couple months if they're in an air tight freezer bag or Tupperware container.

    How to reheat meatballs in the air fryer

    You can reheat the Cauliflower Buffalo Meatballs in the microwave, in a frying pan, or in an air fryer. I recommend using your air fryer to reheat them because it will heat quickly, and keep the meatballs nice and crispy on the outside.

    Dipping cauliflower meatball in buffalo sauce.

    More air fryer recipes!

    • Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Wings
    • Sweet Potato Tots with Cinnamon & Sugar
    • Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
    • Crispy Sweet Potato Tots
    • Italian Vegetable Meatballs
    • Whole30 Lemon Thyme Chicken Wings (Air Fried)

    After you make these Cauliflower Buffalo Meatballs, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe! Your feedback is helpful for me, and for anyone planning to try this recipe. I hope you love them as much as I do!

    Recipe

    Buffalo meatballs in a white bowl.

    Cauliflower Buffalo Meatballs

    These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Meatballs are perfect for anyone who wants a little spice in their life! You can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, snack, or even as a vegetarian option for a buffalo salad! The recipe is very easy to make, uses healthy ingredients, and can be air fried or baked. Great for anyone who is vegetarian, gluten-free, or on Whole30.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 15
    Calories 35 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer or Oven
    • Baking Sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 + ½ Cups Cauliflower Rice
    • ½ Cup Almond Flour
    • 1 Egg
    • 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil
    • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
    • ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder

    Buffalo Sauce

    • 3 Tablespoons Buffalo Sauce I use Primal Kitchen's Buffalo sauce because it has minimal quality ingredients, but you can use any brand you want!

    Instructions
     

    • Start by adding the cauliflower rice and almond flour into a mixing bowl. If you don't have pre-made cauliflower rice, see directions in notes on how to easily make it yourself!
    • Next use a fork or whisk to whip your egg. Add the whipped egg, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into your cauliflower mixture. Mix with a fork until fully combined.
    • Roll the mixture into about 1 inch meatballs, and add them to your air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If you're baking, place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes. You'll know they're done when they are golden brown on the outside.
    • Once they're out of the oven, add them to a mixing bowl with a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce. Mix with a large spoon until fully coated. (If you like them spicy.) You can also add them to a plate, and drizzle buffalo sauce on top for a less spicy option.

    Notes

    Cauliflower Rice Tips: If you want to make your own cauliflower rice, start by chopping a head of cauliflower in half. Take one half and chop it into small bite size pieces. Add about two cups of chopped cauliflower into your food processor. Pulse on and off until it becomes a "rice" consistency. (Takes about 30 seconds.) Repeat until you have enough for the recipe! 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make bake them in the oven instead?
    Yes, they can cooked in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Just make sure to place them on a non-stick baking sheet or line your baking sheet with parchment paper. You can bake them at the same temperature - 375 degrees. Baking will take a bit longer. I would set the timer for 30 minutes, but it will probably need closer to 40 minutes. You'll know they're done with the outside is golden brown.
    How to make your own cauliflower rice:
    You can of course purchase pre-packaged cauliflower rice from the grocery store, but it's a lot less expensive to make it yourself! Purchase a start by chopping a head of cauliflower in half. Take one half and chop it into small bite size pieces. Add about two cups of chopped cauliflower into your food processor. Pulse on and off until it becomes a rice consistency. (Takes about 30 seconds.) Repeat until you have enough for the recipe! 
    Should I toss them in Buffalo Sauce, or drizzle it on top?
    That my friend, is completely up to you! If you're planning to eat them all you can toss the whole batch in Buffalo Sauce when they get out of the oven. If you're planning to save some for later, I would hold off on tossing the entire batch. They will store better without sauce. You can add the sauce after you reheat them! If don't want them super spicy, you can drizzle a little on top or serve them with the sauce on the side to dip. I've also served them with BBQ Sauce for my friends who don't like super spicy food!

    How to store leftovers 

    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer! I store mine in an air tight glass container. They will store well for about 5 days in the refrigerator. I have not tested how long they store well for in the freezer, but I would say a couple months if they're in an air tight freezer bag or Tupperware container.

    How to reheat leftovers

    You can reheat the Cauliflower Buffalo Meatballs in the microwave, in a frying pan, or in an air fryer. I recommend using your air fryer to reheat them because it will heat quickly, and keep the meatballs nice and crispy on the outside.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 35kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
    Keywords air fried buffalo cauliflower meatballs, buffalo cauliflower, cauliflower meatballs, easy cauliflower recipes
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gina

      October 02, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Hi! I got here via Primal's insta! These sound yummy and I plan to give them a try, but I'm a little confused. Are they really supposed to be formed into half inch meatballs?

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        October 02, 2020 at 4:01 pm

        Hi Gina!! Thanks for checking out the recipe. (: They can be any size meatball you want - around bite size works best! Usually mine are around 1/2-1 inch. (Probably closer to 1 inch.) There's a how-to video link to an Instagram post that you might find helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions. - Mariah

        Reply
    2. Jenni

      February 09, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      5 stars
      Made these twice now. I omitted garlic so I could just play with it. Primal Kitchen buffalo sauce and Hidden Vally ranch dipping sauces plus side of celery sticks-perfect. Second time added Italian seasoning, served over zoodles, and topped with marinara- different and delicious. Love how the balls are crispy on the outside and somehow have a really great flavor in every bite without much seasoning or anything fancy. I’ve shared the recipe with several people, but no one has tried it yet.

      Reply
      • Mariah Mandile

        February 10, 2022 at 11:24 am

        That sounds amazing!! So glad you're enjoying them. You would probably like my vegetable meatball recipe - they're made with a combination of broccoli and cauliflower rice. Thank you for sharing with friends, I truly appreciate it!!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Mariah!

    I am a food photographer and recipe developer based in Connecticut. I love all things gut health, clean living, and I have a slight obsession with chocolate! Here you'll find simple and easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that your whole family will love!

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