Description
Sizzling air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites bring spicy restaurant-style magic straight to home kitchens with zero fuss. Crispy, tangy florets deliver irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water or plant-based milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) hot sauce (like Franks RedHot)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Accompaniments and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
Instructions
- Craft a velvety batter by vigorously whisking flour, liquid, and aromatic spices in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
- Gently immerse cauliflower florets into the seasoned mixture, ensuring each piece receives a comprehensive, uniform coating that clings delicately to the vegetable’s surface.
- Strategically arrange the spice-infused florets inside the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing to promote optimal crispiness and prevent overcrowding.
- Configure the air fryer to high temperature, allowing the cauliflower to develop a golden, crunchy exterior while preserving its tender interior.
- Midway through cooking, pause and carefully rotate or shake the basket to guarantee even browning and consistent texture across all morsels.
- Once achieving a rich, amber-hued crust, transfer the crispy bites to a serving platter and immediately drizzle with zesty buffalo sauce, allowing the heat to intensify the tangy flavor profile.
- Garnish with optional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of green onions to enhance visual appeal and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy coating.
- Serve immediately alongside cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delightful dipping experience.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm cauliflower for the best texture and crispiness in your buffalo bites.
- Shake off excess batter to prevent soggy results and ensure a crispy coating in the air fryer.
- Arrange florets in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee even cooking and maximum crunchiness.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or chickpea flour to maintain the same delicious coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg