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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy & Best Recipe

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These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a game day favorite, featuring a light, seasoned coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack that even cauliflower skeptics love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds or 900g), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot Original)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prep the cauliflower: Wash the head and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
  2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the water and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drip off. If too thick, add a tablespoon more water; if too thin, add a teaspoon more flour.
  3. Coat the cauliflower: Add the dried florets to the batter and toss gently with a spatula or your hands until every piece is evenly coated. Let excess batter drip off before transferring each floret to a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Place the battered florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray generously with olive oil spray.
  6. Air fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Open the basket, shake gently, and spray again with oil. Cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Start checking at the 12-minute mark.
  7. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl or microwave-safe dish. Whisk in the buffalo hot sauce and honey (if using) until smooth.
  8. Toss and serve: Transfer the hot, crispy florets to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and toss gently with tongs until every piece is coated. Serve immediately while still crunchy.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Don’t skip the oil spray—it’s crucial for a golden crust. Work in batches if your air fryer is small. Serve immediately for best crunch. For a gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower, crispy cauliflower bites, game day snack, vegetarian appetizer, buffalo cauliflower

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