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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Easy Recipe)

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These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are shatteringly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce. A quick pre-coat of sauce before breading infuses flavor into every bite, making this the best version of buffalo cauliflower you’ll ever try.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)
  • Celery and carrot sticks for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Rinse under cold water and pat extremely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals), melt the butter. Whisk in the hot sauce, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Set up coating station: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. Have a large baking sheet or plate ready for coated florets.
  4. Pre-coat with buffalo sauce: Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the prepared buffalo sauce over the dried cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Toss gently until each floret is lightly coated.
  5. Dredge the florets: Working in batches, dip each sauce-coated floret first into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then into the flour mixture. Toss to coat evenly, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Shake off excess flour and place on the baking sheet. Repeat until all florets are coated.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Air fry the cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Arrange coated florets in a single layer without touching. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Toss in remaining sauce: Transfer hot florets to a large bowl. Pour remaining buffalo sauce over them and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use a light hand with the sauce pre-coat. Flip halfway through cooking. Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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