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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, delivering a perfect crunch with bold buffalo flavor. Ideal for snacks, game days, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
  • 1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional for serving: ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks

Instructions

  1. Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets (1 to 1.5 inches). Pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and thick but pourable.
  3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place on a plate. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange battered cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding.
  5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping, until golden and crispy on the edges.
  6. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and garlic powder in a bowl. Adjust spiciness if needed.
  7. Transfer hot cauliflower bites to a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce over, and gently toss to coat evenly.
  8. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery or carrot sticks on the side.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming instead of crisping. Pat cauliflower dry before battering for better coating. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Toss bites gently in sauce to keep coating crispy. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer, crispy snack, vegetarian, gluten-free option, healthy snack, buffalo sauce, game day food

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-recipe-easy-and-homemade-snack-idea/