Looking for a healthier yet flavor-packed snack or side dish? Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower is your answer! Picture this: tender cauliflower florets, coated in a light batter, air-fried to golden, crispy perfection, and tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that delivers all the fiery kick of classic wings. Every bit of this recipe balances crunch and bold flavor, making it perfect for game-day munchies, party appetizers, or whenever you’re craving something spicy—no deep fryer needed! Trust me, these little wonders disappear faster than you can say, “Pass the ranch dip!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Crunch: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior for these cauliflower bites.
- Bold and Spicy: Buffalo sauce brings heat and tang to these spicy cauliflower bites.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes for these cauliflower bites.
- Healthy Swap: A vegetarian, low-calorie alternative to wings with these spicy cauliflower bites.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice to your liking for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
Ingredients for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
Gather these ingredients—each one is a star in its own right, coming together in perfect harmony. Think of these as your flavor toolkit: simple, fuss-free, and designed to make the best Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower every time:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1 lb/450g), cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup (60ml) buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or olive oil spray for lighter option)
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cutting board and knife
- Two mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or spoon
- Pastry brush or spray bottle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Cauliflower: Fresh, evenly cut florets ensure tenderness in these cauliflower bites.
- Flour: Chickpea flour works for gluten-free spicy cauliflower; all-purpose is standard.
- Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought is quick; homemade adds personal flair to these cauliflower bites.
- Spices: Garlic powder and paprika enhance flavor in these spicy cauliflower bites.
- Oil: A light spray keeps these cauliflower bites crispy without excess oil.
Directions for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
Let’s make these irresistible Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites!
Prep Cauliflower
I wash and cut 1 medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, keeping sizes even for uniform cooking in these cauliflower bites.
Make Batter
In a bowl, I whisk ½ cup flour, ½ cup water, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth and slightly thick for these spicy cauliflower bites.
Coat Cauliflower
I dip each floret into the batter, coating evenly, and shake off excess before placing in the air fryer basket for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
Preheat Air Fryer
I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish for these cauliflower bites.
Air Fry Cauliflower
I lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, arrange florets in a single layer, and air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp for these spicy cauliflower bites.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce
I warm ¼ cup buffalo sauce in a microwave or small pan, then toss the air-fried florets in the sauce until fully coated for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
Serve
I serve these cauliflower bites hot, garnished with fresh parsley, with ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (4–5 florets per serving)
- Calories: ~120–150 kcal per serving (5 florets)
- Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 3g protein, 5g fat, 5g fiber
Variations for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower
Try these twists on this cauliflower bites recipe:
- Fiery Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne to the batter for spicier Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour for dietary-friendly spicy cauliflower.
- Sweet Heat: Mix 1 tbsp maple syrup into the buffalo sauce for sweet-spicy cauliflower bites.
- Extra Crunchy: Coat with panko before air frying for crispier spicy cauliflower.
- Herb Infusion: Add ½ tsp dried basil to the batter for aromatic cauliflower bites.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with a crisp salad for a light meal.
- Serve with celery and dip for a classic wing vibe.
- Enjoy with a cool drink like iced tea for balance.
Storage
I store cooled cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes (8–10 minutes from frozen) to keep them crispy. For freezing, I layer unsauced, cooled florets with parchment in a freezer container, storing for up to 2 months, then reheat and toss in sauce.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites on a vibrant platter for party appeal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley for flair in these cauliflower bites.
- Pairing: Pair with ranch dip or salad to complement the spicy cauliflower.
- Portion Size: 4–5 florets per person as a snack or side.
- Occasions: Ideal for game days, gatherings, or healthy snacking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Absolutely! Thaw and pat dry frozen florets before coating to keep these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites crisp.
How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
Combine ¼ cup melted butter with ¼ cup hot sauce and a splash of vinegar, adjusting heat as needed for these cauliflower bites.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
They sure can—just bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, for delicious spicy cauliflower.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, use chickpea flour or gluten-free flour for crave-worthy Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower.
Any tips to prevent soggy cauliflower?
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer and keep the batter light to ensure crisp Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks
- Air Fryer Eggplant Asian Style
- Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Conclusion
Once you’ve made Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, you’ll find yourself craving their spicy, crispy goodness again and again. They’re wildly simple and endlessly customizable—perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Give these cauliflower bites a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your go-to snack for every occasion!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower about 1 lb/450g, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup 60g all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup 120ml water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup 60ml buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or olive oil spray for lighter option
Instructions
Prep Cauliflower
- I wash and cut 1 medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, keeping sizes even for uniform cooking in these cauliflower bites.
Make Batter
- In a bowl, I whisk ½ cup flour, ½ cup water, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper until smooth and slightly thick for these spicy cauliflower bites.
Coat Cauliflower
- I dip each floret into the batter, coating evenly, and shake off excess before placing in the air fryer basket for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
Preheat Air Fryer
- I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish for these cauliflower bites.
Air Fry Cauliflower
- I lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, arrange florets in a single layer, and air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp for these spicy cauliflower bites.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- I warm ¼ cup buffalo sauce in a microwave or small pan, then toss the air-fried florets in the sauce until fully coated for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower bites.
Serve
- I serve these cauliflower bites hot, garnished with fresh parsley, with ranch or blue cheese dip on the side.
Notes
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