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Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Close-up of crispy, golden-brown buffalo cauliflower florets drizzled with bright orange buffalo sauce.
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Make the best crispy buffalo cauliflower bites using an air fryer or oven. This easy recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and spicy flavor, perfect for game day or a simple appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (for vegan option) OR 1/2 cup regular milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • For Serving: Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and dry the cauliflower florets completely. This step helps achieve crispiness.
  2. Make the wet batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Slowly whisk in the milk until you have a thin, pancake-like batter.
  3. Dredge the cauliflower: In a separate shallow dish, place the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Dip each floret first into the wet batter, letting excess drip off, then immediately coat it thoroughly in the dry flour. Place coated florets on a plate.
  4. Air Fryer Method (For Maximum Crispiness): Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
  6. Make the sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce, melted butter (or vegan butter), and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Toss and serve: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer the hot florets to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  8. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and celery sticks.

Notes

  • For extra crispy results, especially when baking, let the coated cauliflower rest for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker coating, double-dip the florets: wet batter, dry flour, wet batter again, then dry flour again.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred level of spice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/buffalo-cauliflower-crispy-air-fryer-bites/