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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy Best Recipe

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These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky, spicy buffalo glaze. A quick and easy plant-based snack or appetizer that even meat-lovers will devour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind works — dairy, almond, oat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or oil mister
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegan butter
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh celery sticks (for serving, optional)
  • Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Rinse and pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
  5. Working in batches, drop a few florets into the batter and toss until fully coated. Let excess drip off, then transfer to the panko bowl and roll until completely covered. Press breadcrumbs lightly to stick. Place coated florets on a plate without stacking.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces. Work in batches if needed.
  7. Spray the tops of the cauliflower generously with cooking spray.
  8. Air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through (at 6-7 minutes), shake the basket, flip each piece with tongs, and spray again lightly. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
  9. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl.
  10. As soon as cauliflower comes out of the air fryer, transfer to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss gently until evenly coated.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley, with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches for best crispiness. Dry cauliflower thoroughly before coating to avoid sogginess. For extra crispy coating, double-coat the cauliflower by dipping in batter and breadcrumbs twice. Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower, crispy cauliflower bites, buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, game day snack, healthy snack, air fryer recipe

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