Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print version)

Spicy, crispy cauliflower florets coated in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day snacking or entertaining guests.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Optional for Serving

11 - 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
12 - Celery sticks
13 - Carrot sticks

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing to coat evenly.
04 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange battered cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
05 - Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - Meanwhile, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl.
07 - Once the cauliflower is crisp, transfer to a large bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until well coated.
08 - Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.
09 - Serve immediately with dressing, celery, and carrot sticks if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These bites give you all the buffalo wing satisfaction without the guilt, letting you double-dip without a second thought.
  • The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender cauliflower creates a texture that even dedicated meat-lovers find irresistible.
02 -
  • Working in batches is non-negotiable, as overcrowding the air fryer basket will steam rather than crisp your cauliflower.
  • The batter should be just thick enough to coat but not so thick it forms clumps, otherwise you'll end up with doughy rather than crispy bites.
03 -
  • Pat the cauliflower completely dry before battering to achieve maximum crispiness, as excess moisture is the enemy of crunch.
  • For guests who prefer different heat levels, reserve some cauliflower after the initial air frying and toss in separate sauce mixtures ranging from mild to wild.

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