Make crispy, spicy, and tangy buffalo cauliflower bites using your air fryer. This recipe is quick, easy, and works well as a game day appetizer or snack. It is naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free.
Author:ellievance
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (or regular milk)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (use a vegan brand if needed)
1/4 cup melted butter (or vegan butter)
Optional: Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip for serving
Instructions
Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly. This helps achieve crispiness.
Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour in the plant milk and mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. You may need to work in batches.
Air fry: Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Shake the basket gently. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl.
Toss: Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower bites into the sauce bowl. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
Serve immediately with your choice of dip. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional wings and fits well into your overall meal planning strategy.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the battered florets with cooking spray before the first air fry cycle.
If you are following a keto meal plan, you will need to substitute the flour with a low-carb alternative like almond flour for the coating.
Serving these alongside a healthy meal delivery service option can make for a balanced meal.