These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a tasty treat that packs a punch! They’re crunchy, spicy, and perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Just toss some cauliflower florets in a spicy buffalo sauce, pop them in the air fryer, and watch them become golden and crispy. I love serving them with a cool dip to balance the heat! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for this dish. If you can’t find it, frozen florets work in a pinch, but they may be a bit softer.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour gives the best texture. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or chickpea flour, which adds a nice flavor too!
Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show! If you’re sensitive to heat, try a milder hot sauce or mix it with some ketchup for sweetness. Homemade buffalo sauce is super easy and can be tailored to your taste.
Dips: Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic pairings. You can also use a yogurt-based dip for a healthier option or a tahini sauce for a unique twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Cauliflower is Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, focus on the battering and air frying steps. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure to coat the florets well in the batter, but shake off any excess. This prevents sogginess.
- Let the battered florets rest. This helps the batter stick during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows hot air to circulate, making them crispy on all sides.
- Shaking the basket halfway through promotes even cooking and browning.
For the final touch, a quick second round in the air fryer after tossing in buffalo sauce sets the flavor and keeps the bites crispy!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce and Serving:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for mixing with buffalo sauce)
- Cooking spray
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total, including 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cauliflower bites start cooking right away for that perfect crispy finish.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth batter. This batter helps create a crispy coating for your cauliflower!
3. Coat the Cauliflower Florets:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off back into the bowl. This helps avoid a soggy texture.
4. Let Them Rest:
Place the coated florets on a parchment-lined tray or plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time allows the batter to adhere better while cooking.
5. Prepare the Air Fryer:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
6. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Air fry the cauliflower bites for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. You want them crispy and lightly golden.
7. Mix With Buffalo Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted butter if desired. This helps mellow the heat a bit, allowing for a richer flavor.
8. Toss in the Sauce:
Once the cauliflower bites are done, gently toss them in the buffalo sauce until they are fully coated.
9. Air Fry Again:
Return the coated cauliflower bites to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step will help lock in the sauce and enhance the flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bites from the air fryer and serve immediately! Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks for a tasty treat!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and flavorful air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain them before coating and air frying, as excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauces?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic options that pair perfectly with buffalo cauliflower bites. You could also try a yogurt sauce or a tahini-based dip for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for a few minutes to restore their crunch or use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter or oil combined with your favorite vegan buffalo sauce, and ensure your flour is gluten-free if needed. The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly!
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further adjustments!
