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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 crunchy, tangy, spicy, and ridiculously satisfying—proof that you don’t need chicken to get that buffalo fix. Ready in under 25 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer or weeknight side that even dedicated carnivores will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds / 900g), cut into 1.5-inch florets
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water (ice-cold for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
  • Fresh celery and carrot sticks (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into uniform florets about 1.5 inches wide. Rinse and pat extremely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add water and milk, whisking until smooth (pancake batter consistency).
  4. Add dried cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  5. Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  6. While cauliflower cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Whisk in Frank’s RedHot and honey (if using) until combined. Keep warm.
  7. Transfer hot cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over and toss gently with a spatula until coated.
  8. Return sauced florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour mixture. To keep warm for a party, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes; do not microwave.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-best-recipe/