Craving a spicy, crispy, and healthier alternative to buffalo wings? These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect vegetarian game-day snack! They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a zesty buffalo sauce that delivers the perfect amount of heat.
Made in the air fryer, this recipe keeps things light and guilt-free without sacrificing the crispy texture. Plus, it’s ready in under 25 minutes, making it an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy & Flavorful – Perfectly golden brown without deep frying.
✅ Healthier Alternative – Lower in calories than traditional wings.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes!
✅ Perfect for Parties or Snacking – A crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and wing lovers alike.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Bites:
- 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 plant-based milk for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for a sweet balance)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnishes & Dipping Sauces:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks
🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly.
- Roll the coated floret in panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Repeat until all florets are coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, and honey (if using).
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
🔥 Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower
✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches for even crispiness.
✔ Use panko breadcrumbs – This gives a lighter, crispier texture.
✔ For extra crunch, air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes.
✔ Control the spice level – Add more or less hot sauce to taste.
🍽️ What to Serve with Buffalo Cauliflower
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of dips and sides:
Dipping Sauces:
- Classic Ranch Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Honey Mustard
- Garlic Aioli
Side Dishes:
- Celery and Carrot Sticks
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Coleslaw
- Avocado Ranch Salad
🥶 How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Let the cauliflower cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes the cauliflower soggy.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
2. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I make these extra crispy?
Lightly spray the coated cauliflower with oil before air frying.
4. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before coating to remove excess moisture.
🌟 Final Thoughts
These Classic Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive! Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or game-day treat, they’re sure to be a hit.
Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turned out! 🔥🥦