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Crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites in a full white tray.
SavorAndSpice

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites | Spicy and Healthy

Crispy, spicy, and tangy Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites made in the air fryer. Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and ready in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup buffalo-style hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley chopped
  • Celery sticks or carrot sticks

Equipment

  • 1 Air fryer essential for crisping cauliflower without deep-frying.
  • 1 Mixing bowl to toss cauliflower with oil, seasoning, and spices.
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups for accurate seasoning and sauce quantities
  • Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl to melt butter or vegan butter for the buffalo sauce.
  • Baking Sheet or Plate optional, to hold cauliflower before and after air frying.
  • Tongs or Spoon to toss cauliflower in the buffalo sauce after air frying.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and cut cauliflower into equal bite-sized florets.
  3. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  6. While cooking, melt butter and mix with buffalo-style hot sauce.
  7. Toss cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with parsley, celery, or carrot sticks.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in a single layer for even crisping.
  • Toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce after air frying, not before, to prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust the spice level by using milder hot sauce or adding more butter for a gentler flavor.