Zesty Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Looking for a snack that’s both bold and healthy? Our Zesty Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the answer! These crispy, spicy bites deliver all the tangy kick of classic buffalo wings, but with a wholesome twist. Made with fresh cauliflower and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they offer a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a punch of flavor that’s perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful afternoon treat. Dive into this guilt-free snack and discover how delicious healthy eating can be!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 lbs Cauliflower Florets (one lar2 lbs Cauliflower Florets (one large head of cauliflower): Fresh cauliflower cut into small pieces that will become crispy when cooked.
- 2 Tbsp Butter (melted): Adds a rich taste and helps the hot sauce stick to the cauliflower.
- ½ Cup Hot Sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): Gives the cauliflower its spicy and tangy buffalo flavor.
- ¼ Cup Flour: Helps make the cauliflower crispy when combined with cornstarch.
- ¼ Cup Cornstarch: Works with the flour to make the cauliflower extra crispy.
- 2 Tsp Garlic Powder: Adds a tasty garlic flavor to the cauliflower.
- 1 Tsp Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the cauliflower.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the taste of the buffalo sauce.
- Cooking Spray: Used to lightly coat the air fryer basket so the cauliflower doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER Buffalo CRISPY CAULIFLOWER?
Time needed: 27 minutes
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Pro-Tip: Use a salad spinner to remove any excess moisture.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp melted butter and ½ cup hot sauce until well combined. Set aside. - Prepare the Coating:
In a separate large bowl, combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and ½ tsp salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. - Coat the Cauliflower:
Toss the cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce until they are well coated. Then, sprinkle the flour mixture over the sauced cauliflower, tossing everything together until the florets are evenly coated with the flour mixture. - Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the zesty buffalo cauliflower bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of celery sticks. Enjoy your crispy, spicy snack!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Ensure the cauliflower florets are well-coated with the flour and cornstarch mixture. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
You can bake the cauliflower bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and make sure the cauliflower is coated evenly with the flour mixture.
Yes, you can coat the cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. For best results, cook them just before serving.
CRISP BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Flour Substitution: Instead of all-purpose flour, use almond flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
- Buffalo Sauce Variation: Replace buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or sriracha for a different flavor profile. A store-bought buffalo sauce would also work great if you are short on time.
- Breadcrumbs Substitution: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or replace with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
- Cauliflower Coating Variation: Add spices like smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme to the batter for added flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Substitution: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or switch it up with a vegan yogurt dip, tahini sauce, or even a spicy mayo for a twist.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER SNACKS?
Crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are often served with cool dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks. They’re great for game days, parties, and casual get-togethers like Super Bowl parties, potlucks, and tailgates. You can also enjoy them at barbecues, picnics, or as a tasty starter for dinner parties. Plus, they make a great side dish for any weeknight meal.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER CAULIFLOWER BITES?
To store leftover cauliflower bites, put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Reheat only what you plan to eat to keep them crispy.
CAN LEFTOVER CAULIFLOWER BITES BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cauliflower bites. First, place the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, move them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. It’s best to reheat them straight from the freezer in the air fryer to make them crispy again.
LOOKING FOR MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Crispy Air Fryer Panko Boneless Chicken Thighs: The combination of a golden, crispy panko coating and the tender juiciness of boneless chicken thighs creates a delightful symphony of textures,
Better Than Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken: With a crispy golden exterior and tender juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, tangy orange sauce
Air Fryer Parmesan Cubed Chicken Breast Bites: These bites are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.
Zesty Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer (Cosori)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Cauliflower Florets (one large head of cauliflower)
- 2 Tbsp Butter (melted)
- ½ Cup Hot Sauce (like Franks Red Hot)
- ¼ Cup Flour
- ¼ Cup Cornstarch
- 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- ½ Tsp Salt
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp melted butter and ½ cup hot sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and ½ tsp salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce until they are well coated. Then, sprinkle the flour mixture over the sauced cauliflower, tossing everything together until the florets are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the zesty buffalo cauliflower bites hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of celery sticks. Enjoy your crispy, spicy snack!
Very easy to make and absolutely delicious