Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

$- Cauliflower and Flour - 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - Seasoning Components - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Wet Ingredients and Garnish - 1 cup buttermilk (or a plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - ½ cup buffalo hot sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. The cauliflower is the star. The flour gives it a crunchy coat. Seasoning adds flavor, while the buttermilk helps the breading stick. Buffalo sauce gives a spicy kick, and olive oil helps with crispiness. Don’t forget the parsley for a fresh finish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the medium cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Place these florets in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and toss well. Make sure each floret is covered. This step lets the cauliflower soak up flavors. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This soaking time is key for tasty bites. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend makes a simple but flavorful breading. It gives your cauliflower a delicious crunch. Make sure the flour is mixed well. You want each floret to have a good coating. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, remove each floret from the buttermilk. Let the extra liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in your seasoned flour mix. Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. They should look golden and crispy when done. In a separate bowl, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the remaining olive oil. Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer them to this bowl. Toss gently to coat them well in the sauce. For extra crispiness, return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. This final step sets the sauce and makes each bite divine. Enjoy your crunchy delight! To get crispy cauliflower bites, follow a few key steps. First, make sure to coat each floret well. The buttermilk adds moisture, while the seasoned flour creates a crunchy crust. After coating, let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flour stick better. When air frying, don't overcrowd the basket. Give each piece space to cook evenly. A light spray of olive oil can also enhance crispiness. If you want to control the heat, start with less buffalo sauce. Mix in a bit of butter or oil to tone it down. For those who crave more spice, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix. This way, you can customize the flavor to fit your taste. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but it's hard to take it away once mixed in. Cook your cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a golden brown color. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you want extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes after tossing in buffalo sauce. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary with different air fryer models. Trust your nose; when they smell great, they are likely done! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower ensures the best texture and flavor. Look for firm florets with no brown spots for the ultimate crunch. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference. Add more for a spicier kick or use a mild sauce for a gentle flavor. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For best results, avoid stacking the cauliflower bites. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While ranch or blue cheese dressing is classic, try serving with a garlic aioli or a yogurt-based dip for a fresh twist. {{image_2}} You can easily make these buffalo cauliflower bites gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. I recommend using a blend that works well for frying. This change keeps the texture crunchy while catering to gluten-free diets. While buffalo sauce shines here, you can try other sauces too. BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky touch. A spicy chili sauce can kick up the heat. For a tangy twist, use a garlic aioli or ranch dressing. Mixing flavors can make each batch unique and fun. Want to boost nutrition? Add other vegetables! Carrots and bell peppers work great. Just cut them into similar sizes as the cauliflower. This way, they cook evenly. Toss them in the buttermilk and breading mix too. This adds color and flavor to your dish. After enjoying your buffalo cauliflower bites, let them cool down. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your cauliflower bites, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites in the basket for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Heat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. For freezing, make sure the bites are fully cooled. Lay them flat on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, cook them straight from the freezer. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. They may lose some crunch over time. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. Yes, you can use other vegetables! Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even zucchini work well. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Each vegetable will have a unique flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce. I recommend serving them with celery sticks and a cool dip, like ranch or blue cheese. These cool dips balance the heat from the buffalo sauce. You can also drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for more flavor. Enjoy them as a game-day snack or a healthy appetizer! In this blog post, we explored how to make crispy buffalo cauliflower bites. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. You can even try gluten-free options or different sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly for best taste. These cauliflower bites are a fun and tasty snack. Whether you serve them as a party treat or a meal, they are sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking and share these bites with friends!$

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Deliciously crispy cauliflower bites tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
0.5 cup buffalo hot sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the cauliflower florets and buttermilk. Toss well to coat each floret. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your seasoned breading.
Remove each cauliflower piece from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the seasoned flour mix. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo hot sauce and remaining olive oil. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer the bites to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Return the sauced cauliflower back to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to set the sauce and give an extra crispiness.
Remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Keyword air fryer, appetizer, buffalo, cauliflower