Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These air fryer Buffalo cauliflower bites are a crispy, spicy appetizer that deliver the flavor of classic Buffalo wings with far fewer calories, perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium head medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) Can use gluten-free flour as a substitute.
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup Buffalo hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the batter. Shake off any excess before placing them in the air fryer basket.
Cooking
- Arrange the florets in a single layer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp on the edges.
- In a small bowl, mix together Buffalo hot sauce and melted butter until smooth.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean bowl, drizzle with the sauce, and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Pro Tips: For extra crispiness, after tossing in Buffalo sauce, air fry for 2 more minutes. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with chickpea or rice flour. For a mild heat option, mix Buffalo sauce with a little honey or Greek yogurt to soften the spice. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispness.