These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a fun and tasty snack! Coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for parties or game days. Plus, they’re healthier than fried snacks!
I love serving these with ranch or blue cheese dip for an extra kick. Everyone gets excited when I make them—it’s hard to eat just one! 🌶️🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this recipe! Fresh cauliflower makes the best bites. If you’re in a pinch, frozen cauliflower can work too, but make sure to thaw and dry them well first.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a staple here, but chickpea flour is a fantastic gluten-free option. It’s high in protein and provides a nice flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: You can use store-bought buffalo sauce, but homemade is simple! Just mix hot sauce with butter. Adjust the heat level based on your preference: add more hot sauce for extra spice!
Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer butter for that rich flavor, but olive oil keeps it lighter. Feel free to use your favorite oil!
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Bites Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting crispy bites can be tricky, but it’s all about the flour coating and cooking technique. Here are my tips to ensure the best texture:
- Make the batter just thick enough to cling to the cauliflower—too thin won’t coat well!
- Preheat the air fryer! This ensures the batter starts cooking right away, helping them crisp up.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space is key to allow hot air to circulate around each bite.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to evenly distribute heat and achieve that perfect crunch.
- Finally, a quick extra cook after tossing in buffalo sauce helps set that delicious glaze.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cauliflower Bites:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Batter:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For the Air Fryer:
- Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure your cauliflower gets crispy right from the start!
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. You want a batter that will coat the cauliflower evenly.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess batter so they won’t be too heavy.
4. Air Frying Time:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. This is key for achieving that crunch!
5. Initial Cooking:
Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 15 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly!
6. Prepare the Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. This mixture will add delicious flavor!
7. Coat in Buffalo Sauce:
After 15 minutes, transfer the crispy cauliflower bites back into the large mixing bowl. Drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over them and toss gently to coat every bite evenly.
8. Final Air Frying:
Place the coated cauliflower back into the air fryer basket and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F. This helps set the sauce and adds a little more crispiness!
9. Cool and Serve:
After the final cook, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This allows them to become even crisper.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious crispy buffalo cauliflower bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and, if you like, some crunchy celery sticks on the side. Enjoy your spicy snack!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with chickpea flour (or a gluten-free all-purpose blend) is a great way to make this dish gluten-free. The texture and flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more hot sauce to the batter or mix in some cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference for the perfect kick!
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, air fry them again at 375°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through for maximum crispiness.
