These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are spicy, crunchy, and oh-so-tasty! Made with cauliflower, a bit of buffalo sauce, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they make a delightful snack.
You won’t believe how quickly they disappear at my house. One minute they’re on the plate, the next—poof! If you’re a fan of a little heat, these bites will keep you coming back for more! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Choose a firm, fresh head of cauliflower. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower florets, just thaw and pat dry before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for the batter. If you need a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free flour blends. I prefer using oat flour because it gives a nice texture while still being gluten-free.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand. You can also make a homemade version with hot sauce and melted butter. Don’t forget to adjust based on your heat preference!
Garnishes: Fresh parsley or green onions add a nice touch. I love using fresh herbs because they brighten up the dish. For dipping, ranch or blue cheese dressing works beautifully, so pick your favorite!
How Do I Get the Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
To achieve those perfectly crispy buffalo cauliflower bites, follow these tips:
- Make sure to coat the cauliflower well in the batter. The more coverage, the crispier they will get.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding traps steam, making them soggy.
- Air fry them until golden brown, and don’t skip the last step with the sauce in the air fryer. This helps set the coating and adds flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for mixing with buffalo sauce)
For Cooking and Serving:
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. Overall, plan for about 30 minutes to enjoy these crispy, spicy bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cauliflower bites get nice and crispy right from the beginning. Preheating takes about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. You want to create a nice batter that will coat the cauliflower evenly.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Gently toss them to ensure that each piece is well-coated in the batter. This will be key to getting them crunchy and delicious!
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Take your air fryer basket and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
5. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try to avoid overcrowding, as this can make them less crispy. If needed, cook them in batches!
6. Cooking Time:
Air fry the cauliflower for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping. They should be golden and crispy when done!
7. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is frying, mix the buffalo wing sauce with olive oil or melted butter in a bowl, if you choose to. This step adds flavor and richness to the sauce!
8. Toss with Buffalo Sauce:
Once the cauliflower bites are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss them gently to coat all the pieces evenly in the spicy goodness.
9. Final Crisping:
Place the coated cauliflower back into the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes. This step helps set the sauce and makes the bites even crispier!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you’d like. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites!
They’re sure to be a hit at your next snack time or party!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat dry the frozen cauliflower before coating it. This helps achieve the desired crispiness when air frying.
Can I Adjust the Heat Level of the Buffalo Sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix the buffalo wing sauce with a bit of ranch dressing or use a milder hot sauce. Conversely, for extra heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed and crispy again. This helps maintain their crunchiness!
Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Vegan?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based milk instead of water for the batter and ensure the buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly. Many brands offer delicious vegan buffalo sauces!