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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

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These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and the perfect plant-based alternative to buffalo wings! Coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, they’re cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier, guilt-free snack or appetizer. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated.

2. Air fry the cauliflower:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  • Place coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if necessary).
  • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.

3. Make the buffalo sauce:

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Stir in the hot sauce and honey (if using) until fully combined. Remove from heat.

4. Coat the cauliflower:

  • Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl.
  • Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until well coated.
  • Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp up the sauce.

5. Serve:

  • Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrots.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, add ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs to the batter.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free dipping sauce.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to the buffalo mixture.