Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable Version)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites with tangy buffalo flavor and a satisfying crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

→ Buffalo Sauce

08 - ½ cup buffalo hot sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

→ For Serving

11 - Celery sticks
12 - Carrot sticks
13 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add milk while whisking until the batter is smooth.
03 - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Let excess batter drip off.
04 - Arrange coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air-fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the exterior is golden and crisp.
05 - In a large bowl, combine buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup if using.
06 - Transfer cooked cauliflower immediately to the buffalo sauce and toss until evenly coated.
07 - Serve hot alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and optional ranch or blue cheese dressing.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and creamy inside without the meat guilt, and people genuinely can't tell the difference at first bite.
  • Fifteen minutes of prep means you're not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting.
  • They work as a snack, an appetizer, or the main event when you need something that feels indulgent but isn't.
02 -
  • Don't skip preheating the air fryer; cold baskets produce soggy, disappointing results that taste more steamed than fried.
  • The sauce coating works best when the cauliflower is still hot, so timing matters—have your bowl ready before you open the air fryer door.
03 -
  • Cut your cauliflower florets uniform in size so they cook evenly; uneven pieces mean some burn while others stay pale.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, bake at 425°F for twenty-five to thirty minutes, flipping halfway through, and you'll still get excellent results.
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