Print

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional wings, perfect for game day snacks with a spicy buffalo kick and satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) water, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade, e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly, then cut into evenly sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth and slightly thick like pancake batter. Adjust consistency with more flour or water if needed.
  3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, coating each piece well but not excessively.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
  7. While cooking, melt the butter and mix with buffalo sauce until combined.
  8. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce mixture over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Return the coated bites to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to set the sauce and add extra crispness.
  10. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Pat cauliflower dry thoroughly before battering to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy bites. Toss bites in buffalo sauce after first cook, then air fry again to set sauce and maintain crunch. For vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use vegan buffalo sauce. Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer, game day snacks, crispy cauliflower bites, vegetarian, buffalo sauce, healthy wings alternative

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-recipe-for-game-day-snacks/