These Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are packed with flavor and a nice kick! They’re crisp on the outside and tender inside, making them super enjoyable as a snack or a party treat.
Making these is a breeze! Just toss cauliflower with some spicy sauce, pop them in the air fryer, and watch them become golden and delicious. Perfect for when you want something fun and tasty! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! Choose a medium head with firm florets for the best texture. Don’t have cauliflower? Try broccoli or even chickpeas for a fun twist!
All-purpose flour: This helps create a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Cornstarch is also a great option for extra crunch!
Buffalo hot sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic for buffalo flavor, but you can use any brand you love. For a milder option, mix with some honey or BBQ sauce. You can even experiment with homemade sauces!
Garlic powder: It adds depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic or garlic salt (just adjust the salt in the recipe).
How Can I Ensure My Cauliflower Bites Get Crispy?
Crispy cauliflower bites are all about the batter and air frying technique. Follow these tips for a perfect crunch!
- Pat the cauliflower dry after washing. Moisture will prevent crisping.
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated! This helps start the cooking process immediately, improving crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the florets space to let air circulate properly, which is key for that crunchy texture.
- Tossing the cauliflower with the hot sauce right after frying allows it to stick better without making the bites soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy buffalo cauliflower bites every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🥦🔥
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (optional, for buffalo sauce)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, plus another 12-15 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have these delicious bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a towel to remove any excess moisture which helps them get crispy when cooked. It’s important to ensure they are nice and dry.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. This will be the batter that will coat the cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Gently toss them to make sure they are evenly coated, using a spatula if needed. You want all the florets to get a good layer of batter.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that crisp finish!
5. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once preheated, add the battered cauliflower florets to the basket in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer isn’t large enough.
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the cauliflower for about 12-15 minutes. It’s a good idea to shake the basket or flip the florets halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them; you want them crispy and golden brown!
7. Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the melted butter or olive oil in a small bowl. This mixture adds flavor and helps the sauce stick better to the cauliflower.
8. Serving Time:
Once the cauliflower bites are done, transfer them to a large bowl right away and toss with the buffalo sauce mixture until they are well coated. Serve hot, and don’t forget to add ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side along with some celery sticks for crunch!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and healthy buffalo cauliflower bites made quick and easy in the air fryer!
FAQ for Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe. This will help ensure your bites stay crispy, as excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these buffalo cauliflower bites vegan, simply use a plant-based flour (like chickpea or gluten-free flour) and substitute the butter with a plant-based oil in the buffalo sauce. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F to regain their crispiness!
Can I Add Extra Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or spices based on your taste preferences—cayenne pepper for extra heat or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile would be great additions!
