Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Spicy, crispy cauliflower florets in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect healthy game day snack or appetizer ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Optional Serving

11 - 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
12 - Celery sticks
13 - Carrot sticks

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing to coat evenly.
04 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange battered cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
05 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl.
07 - Once the cauliflower is crisp, transfer to a large bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until well coated.
08 - Return to the air fryer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
09 - Serve immediately with dressing, celery, and carrot sticks if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates an addictively crispy outside while using significantly less oil than deep frying - I actually prefer this version now.
  • The cauliflower soaks up that tangy buffalo sauce like a dream, making each bite packed with flavor while secretly being mostly vegetable.
02 -
  • Working in batches is essential - overcrowding the air fryer basket will steam rather than crisp your cauliflower, leaving you with soggy results.
  • Let your air fryer fully preheat before adding the battered cauliflower - I skipped this step once and ended up with batter that slid right off.
03 -
  • Pat your cauliflower dry before coating it in batter - excess moisture prevents that perfect crispy exterior from forming.
  • Save a little buffalo sauce mixture to brush on right before serving for that fresh, vibrant color and flavor boost.

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