These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty twist on your favorite spicy snack! They’re light, crunchy, and packed with flavor that makes them hard to resist.
Perfect for game day or just a snack on a cozy night, they’re great with ranch or blue cheese dip. I love how easy they are to make—just toss and air fry! Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower delivers that perfect crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen cauliflower works too—just thaw and drain it well before using.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour is great, but if you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or chickpea flour. These add a nice flavor and crunch! I often mix in some cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought buffalo sauce is super convenient, but homemade is even better! Just blend hot sauce with a bit of melted butter or olive oil for a fresh taste.
Plant-Based Milk: Water works fine, but plant-based milk adds a nice touch of flavor. Almond, soy, or oat milk are all good substitutes!
How Do You Make Sure the Cauliflower Stays Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is crucial! Here are some tips to help you achieve it:
- Ensure the cauliflower is well-coated in the batter, but shake off any excess. This helps them avoid being soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give them space to cook evenly. A single layer is best.
- Opt for a final air fry after tossing in the buffalo sauce to get them extra crispy. Just a few minutes can make a big difference!
- Serve immediately for the best crunch; they’re great fresh out of the air fryer!
With these tips, your buffalo cauliflower bites will be crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-addictive! Enjoy!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water (or unsweetened plant-based milk for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For The Buffalo Sauce:
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted vegan butter (optional, for tossing the cauliflower in sauce)
For The Cooking:
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to cook and toss. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a delightful snack on your hands!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. This batter will give your cauliflower bites a great crunchy coating!
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it gets fully coated. After dipping, shake off any excess batter and place the florets on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. This step is important for achieving that nice, crispy exterior!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before you start frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes and ensures even cooking.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
5. Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, warm up the buffalo sauce in a small pan or microwave. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer the bites to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and if you’d like, add the olive oil or melted butter. Toss gently until every piece is well coated!
6. Final Air Fry (Optional):
If you want an extra crispy finish, place the coated cauliflower back into the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for that perfect crunch!
7. Serve:
Finally, serve your crispy buffalo cauliflower bites hot, with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with some celery sticks for that classic combo. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites—perfect for any occasion! 🍽️
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter. This helps achieve that crispy texture!
How Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To keep it vegan, simply use plant-based milk (like almond or soy) in place of water and ensure your buffalo sauce doesn’t contain any dairy products. Most store-bought varieties are vegan-friendly!
Can I Prepare the Batter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the batter up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken a bit while sitting.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again, or in the oven for best results!
