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

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites | Spicy and Healthy

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are spicy, crunchy, and super satisfying without deep frying. Coated in a simple batter, air fried until golden, and tossed in buffalo sauce, they make an easy appetizer, party snack, or fun side dish that is packed with bold flavor.
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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 375°F for a few minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between the pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating looks set and lightly golden.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter or olive oil.
  8. Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and gently toss with the buffalo sauce mixture.
  9. Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until crispy and hot.
  10. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

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.