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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe with Easy Blue Cheese Dip

crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites - featured image

Crispy buffalo-flavored cauliflower bites made in the air fryer, paired with a creamy blue cheese dip. A flavorful, guilt-free alternative to traditional buffalo wings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • ½ cup water (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (120ml), e.g., Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (120g)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and thoroughly dry the cauliflower, then cut into bite-sized florets about 1.5 inches each. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, whisking until smooth and pourable. (5 minutes)
  3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated. Let excess batter drip off. (3 minutes)
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange battered florets in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. (15 minutes)
  5. While cauliflower cooks, combine buffalo hot sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a bowl and stir well. (3 minutes)
  6. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and toss gently with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. (2 minutes)
  7. In a small bowl, mix blue cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until creamy but slightly chunky. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired. (5 minutes)
  8. Serve buffalo cauliflower bites warm with blue cheese dip on the side.

Notes

Pat dry cauliflower thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid soggy bites. Shake basket halfway through cooking for even crisping. Adjust batter thickness with flour or water as needed. Prep dip ahead and keep chilled for best flavor. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, blue cheese dip, crispy cauliflower bites, vegetarian snack, healthy buffalo wings alternative