Description

These air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious and healthy vegetarian snack or appetizer, perfect for game day or a quick weeknight side dish. Made in the air fryer, they’re crispy, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy a plant-based meal. This recipe delivers all the satisfying spice and crunch without the deep-frying, making it an ideal choice for a lighter option that still packs a punch. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering or a simple, nutritious side to round out your dinner, these buffalo cauliflower bites are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. They’re a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a fun and exciting way that even picky eaters might enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower, about 2 pounds

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, for richer sauce)

Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Florets: Start by washing and drying your head of cauliflower. Carefully cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, aiming for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Try to keep them relatively uniform so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

2. Whisk Together the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not overly pasty.

3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the batter. Toss them gently using a spatula or your hands until each floret is thoroughly coated. Ensure there are no dry spots.

4. Air Fry the First Batch: Preheat your air fryer to 375 F (190 C) for about 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until they are tender-crisp and lightly golden.

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is air frying, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter (if using) in a separate large bowl. Whisk until well combined. The butter helps to make the sauce richer and adhere better to the cauliflower.

6. Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked through and crispy from the first air frying step, transfer it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the florets are evenly coated in the spicy sauce.

7. Air Fry Again for Crispy Finish: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes at 375 F (190 C), or until the sauce is slightly caramelized, and the cauliflower is extra crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

8. Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot buffalo cauliflower bites to a serving platter. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, along with fresh celery and carrot sticks to complete the classic buffalo experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: appetizer
Method: air frying
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Keywords: vegetarian, appetizer, snack, air fryer, buffalo, cauliflower, game day, healthy, spicy, plant-based