Description

Crispy, tangy, and spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate vegetarian game-day snack or party appetizer. Battered and air-fried until golden, then tossed in classic buffalo sauce, these bites deliver big flavor with minimal oil and effort.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cauliflower

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

For the Batter

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup corn starch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2/3 cup water (more as needed for a smooth batter)

For Air Frying & Buffalo Sauce

Nonstick cooking spray or a little oil, for greasing the air fryer
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter, for vegan option), melted

For Serving (optional)

Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (or vegan alternative)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and dry the cauliflower. Cut into even, bite-sized florets. This ensures every bite cooks evenly and turns out crisp.
Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the water, whisking until you have a smooth, thick batter (about the consistency of pancake batter). Add a little more water if needed.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Toss until every piece is thoroughly coated, letting any excess drip off.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Bites: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is finishing, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Add the hot cauliflower bites and gently toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately with celery, carrot sticks, and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Notes

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.
To keep bites crispy, toss in buffalo sauce only when ready to serve.
If you have a small air fryer, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for milder or hotter bites.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
Calories: 160
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 660mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg