These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious! They make the perfect healthier alternative to buffalo wings, offering all the bold flavors with less guilt. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
- Healthier Alternative – A great low-calorie, vegetarian swap for buffalo wings.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Game Day – A fantastic party snack or appetizer.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the buffalo sauce for mild or extra spicy bites.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- All-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- Water or milk (for batter)
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Butter (melted, to mix with buffalo sauce)
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the batter – In a bowl, whisk together flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Coat the cauliflower – Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
- Air fry – Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Toss in buffalo sauce – In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
- Air fry again – Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve hot – Enjoy with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour or gluten-free flour.
- Extra Crispy – Add ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs to the batter.
- Mild Version – Use less buffalo sauce or mix it with honey for sweetness.
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter.
- Baked Version – Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture may become soggy.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but any buffalo wing sauce works.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating helps achieve the crispiest texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter or skip the butter in the sauce.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Spray with olive oil before air frying and use panko breadcrumbs in the batter.
What dips go well with buffalo cauliflower?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a yogurt-based dip all pair well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best served fresh. Reheat in the air fryer for crispiness.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Use almond flour and a low-carb buffalo sauce for a keto version.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! Try adding onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder for more flavor.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy, crispy, and satisfying snack that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just a fun appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy!
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. They’re a perfect vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings and make a great appetizer, snack, or game-day treat. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup water (or milk for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, optional)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs if using. Shake off excess.
- Air Fry the Bites: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using).
- Toss & Serve: Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a bowl, toss with buffalo sauce, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Make it Crispier: Double-coat in panko for extra crunch.
Less Spicy? Use a milder hot sauce or mix buffalo sauce with extra butter.
Storage: Best eaten fresh! But you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free dip.