These crunchy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites pack a punch! Tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they’re a fun and tasty snack or appetizer that’s easy to make.
If you’re like me, you might just eat them all before they hit the table! Perfect for game day or any time you want a little kick in your life—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for a great texture. If you find florets too much work, pre-cut cauliflower can save time. You can also use broccoli for variety!
Flour: I usually go for all-purpose flour, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour works well too. Each adds a slightly different flavor and crunch.
Buffalo Sauce: The sauce gives these bites their zing! You can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. If spicy isn’t your thing, try BBQ sauce or sweet chili sauce instead.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth to the flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can add a nice touch, just adjust the heat level to your liking.
How Do I Make Sure My Cauliflower Bites Are Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about technique! Here are the steps to ensure your cauliflower bites turn out crispy:
- Preheat the air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer; this helps crisp the coating right from the start.
- Coat thoroughly: Make sure each floret is fully covered with the batter. Letting excess batter drip off prevents sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Air circulation is essential for crispiness, so give those bites some space!
- Use cooking spray: Lightly spraying the battered florets before cooking helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- Double fry: After tossing in the buffalo sauce, a quick additional air fry really helps set the coating and adds crunch. Aim for just 3-5 minutes.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to deliciously crispy buffalo cauliflower bites!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, including air frying time. Get ready to enjoy your crispy buffalo cauliflower bites in just about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure that your cauliflower bites cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. This will be your batter for coating the cauliflower florets.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. After dipping, gently shake off any excess batter. This helps achieve that crispy texture you’re looking for!
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Arrange the coated florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as air needs to circulate around the bites for even cooking. If needed, work in batches.
5. Spray and Cook:
Lightly spray the florets with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Then, air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking until they turn golden and crisp.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted butter in a large bowl. This combination will give the sauce a rich flavor and help it stick to the cauliflower.
7. Toss in the Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer the bites to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss them until well coated. Make sure each piece is evenly covered in that yummy sauce!
8. Set and Crisp Again:
Return the coated cauliflower bites to the air fryer basket and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step helps to set the sauce and adds even more crunch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the buffalo cauliflower bites from the air fryer. If you’d like, garnish them with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve them immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—enjoy your tasty creation!
Dig into your crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites right away—they’re irresistible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before coating. Moisture can affect the batter’s adherence, so pat the florets dry with paper towels for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make it a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of batter by using less flour and water, or simply skip the batter altogether for a roasted style. Simply toss the cauliflower florets with buffalo sauce and air fry directly!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To re-crisp them, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C).
What Other Sauces Can I Use Instead of Buffalo Sauce?
If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, try BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile. Each sauce will give your cauliflower bites a unique and tasty twist!
