Go Back
To make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a crispy, spicy treat that’s hard to resist. If you have dietary needs or preferences, you can easily swap some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. - Almond milk can be replaced with any plant-based milk, like oat or soy milk. - For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely. - Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or melted coconut oil. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. Choosing fresh cauliflower is key for this recipe. Here’s how to pick the best head: - Look for a head that is firm and heavy for its size. - The florets should be tightly packed and white. Any brown spots are signs of age. - Check the leaves; they should be green and fresh-looking, not wilted. - Avoid cauliflower with an off smell. Fresh cauliflower has a mild, clean scent. Using fresh cauliflower ensures your bites will be crisp and flavorful. Start by cutting one medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This size helps them cook evenly. Rinse the florets under cold water to remove any dirt. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel. Dry florets will absorb the batter better. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these dry ingredients together. Slowly pour in one cup of almond milk. Keep whisking until the batter is smooth. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. This helps the cauliflower not stick. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, making sure to coat it evenly. Place the battered florets in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding. This allows hot air to flow around them. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. While the cauliflower cooks, mix one cup of buffalo sauce and two tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl. Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece well. Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for another 5 minutes. This step makes the bites extra flavorful. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! To get that crispy texture, use a light batter. Make sure to coat each floret evenly. If your batter is too thick, it won't crisp well. I recommend using almond milk for a light and airy feel. Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps to achieve that perfect crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pack in too many florets, they won't cook evenly. This can lead to soggy bites instead of crispy ones. Also, don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures all sides get nice and golden. Lastly, watch the cooking time closely to prevent burning. Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat. After air frying, toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce mixed with olive oil. This step boosts flavor and keeps the bites juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish. {{image_2}} You can spice up your buffalo cauliflower bites in many ways. Try using different sauces for a kick. Sriracha, spicy BBQ, or even mango habanero sauce can add unique flavors. Mix these sauces with olive oil to coat the cauliflower more evenly. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily swap out regular flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Both work well and keep the crispy texture. Just make sure to double-check that your buffalo sauce is also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these bites without worry. Serving matters! Present your buffalo cauliflower bites on a big platter. You can add celery sticks for crunch and freshness. Pair them with dips like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Other great garnishes include sliced green onions or sesame seeds. These add a fun look and enhance the taste. After you enjoy your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, store leftovers properly. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, proper storage is key. Reheating your cauliflower bites can be tricky. You want them crispy, not soggy. The best way to reheat is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their crunch and flavor. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soft and mushy. If you want to save your bites for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, cook directly from frozen in the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes. This makes for a quick and tasty snack! Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw it first and pat it dry. This helps keep the batter from getting too soggy. Frozen cauliflower might need a bit more time in the air fryer to get crispy. To cut down the heat, use less cayenne pepper in the batter. You can also try a milder buffalo sauce. Another option is to mix in extra almond milk to tone down the spice. Buffalo cauliflower bites go great with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also try a creamy garlic sauce or even a sweet chili sauce. The coolness of these dips balances the heat nicely. Yes, you can bake these bites! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a nice crispy texture, too. This post covered everything you need to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips for a crispy finish. We also shared variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Remember, choosing fresh cauliflower is key for flavor. Experiment with sauces to find your favorite. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share these bites with family and friends!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Spice up your snack game with these delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. With just 30 minutes of prep, you’ll enjoy a guilt-free treat that's packed with flavor. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to discover the full recipe and get cooking!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

      Gradually whisk in the almond milk until a smooth batter forms.

        Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating evenly.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.

            Air fry the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking until golden and crispy.

              While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a large bowl.

                Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly.

                  Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

                    Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites on a platter with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.