Description
Game day just got a delicious upgrade! These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver all the spicy, tangy goodness of classic buffalo wings but in a healthier, vegetarian-friendly form. Lightly battered and air-fried to crispy perfection, each bite is coated in bold buffalo sauce for maximum flavor. Quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for game day, casual snacking, or a tasty appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Prep the Cauliflower:
- Wash and dry the cauliflower thoroughly. Cut into evenly sized florets for even cooking.
Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking until smooth.
Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Shake off excess batter and place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray.
Air Fry the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 14-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder.
Coat and Crisp Up:
- Toss the crispy cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to help caramelize the sauce.
Serve Immediately:
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh herbs (optional).
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a double-dipping method: coat in batter, then dredge in a dry mix of almond meal and seasoning before air frying.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for best crispiness.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Use mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower, crispy buffalo cauliflower, game day snack, vegetarian appetizer