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To make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, you will need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup water - ½ cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh cauliflower makes a big difference. Look for firm florets with no brown spots. For the batter, mix your dry spices well. This helps the flavors blend. If you like more heat, add more cayenne pepper. The olive oil gives the bites a nice crunch when air frying. Don't skip the parsley; it adds a fresh look and taste. If you have a gluten allergy, try using gluten-free flour instead. You can swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce if you prefer a sweeter flavor. For a vegan option, replace the flour with chickpea flour. This change keeps the bites crispy and tasty. If you're allergic to cauliflower, try using broccoli instead. The cooking time will stay the same, so you'll still enjoy a flavorful snack. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the cauliflower head. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Try to make them similar in size. This helps them cook evenly. You want each piece to be tender yet crispy. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. These spices pack a flavor punch! Gradually add ¾ cup of water. Whisk until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Allow any excess batter to drip off. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil first. Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures they cook evenly. Once golden and crispy, take them out. Next, toss the fried cauliflower in buffalo sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated. To get that extra crispiness, return them to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. Now your bites are ready to serve! To get that perfect crunch, coat the cauliflower well. The batter should cover every floret. Use cold water for the batter. Cold water helps create a crispy crust. Make sure to shake off extra batter. This helps to keep the bites from becoming soggy. Air fry in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Cook the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This lets hot air reach all sides. If you want extra crispiness, add 3-5 more minutes after tossing in the buffalo sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Serve these bites hot for the best taste. Add a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping. Fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also serve them with celery sticks. This adds a nice crunch and freshness. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer at your next game day gathering. Pro Tips Tip Title 1: For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the batter before coating the cauliflower. Tip Title 2: If you want a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Tip Title 3: For a crunchier texture, let the coated cauliflower sit for a few minutes before air frying. Tip Title 4: Experiment with different sauces; ranch or blue cheese dressing make great dips for these spicy bites! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your buffalo cauliflower bites by trying different sauces. Instead of buffalo sauce, use barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. Or, try teriyaki sauce for a savory taste. You can also mix sauces together. This way, you can find your favorite flavor! Want to boost the nutrition? Add more veggies to your bites. Try adding broccoli florets or bell pepper slices. You can even toss in some carrots. Just make sure they are cut small, like the cauliflower. This adds color and vitamins to your snack! If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free flour blends instead. They work well for the batter. Make sure to check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites without worry! After enjoying your air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they are not warm when you store them. This helps to avoid sogginess. To reheat your cauliflower bites, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bites in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you like them extra saucy, you can toss them in more buffalo sauce before reheating. If you want to save some bites for later, freezing works well. First, let the bites cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, you can cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites can last up to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before you put them away. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later. Yes, you can make these bites in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated cauliflower florets on the sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a great crunch too. You can serve these bites with a variety of dips. Ranch or blue cheese dressing works well. Fresh veggies like carrots and celery add a nice crunch. You can even make a fun platter with chips or pita bread for sharing. In this post, we explored making delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. We discussed the best ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a crispy texture. I shared variations, storage info, and common questions to help you succeed. You can enjoy these bites in many ways. They are fun, easy, and a great snack. Try this recipe to impress your friends and family with tasty flavors. Your kitchen adventures are just beginning! Enjoy your culinary journey!

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy and spicy cauliflower bites coated in buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 2 salt
  • 3 4 cup water
  • 1 2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are all similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Gradually add the water while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off before placing it on a plate. Make sure each piece is well coated.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
  • Add the Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  • Return to Air Fryer: Place the coated cauliflower bites back in the air fryer basket for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step helps the sauce stick and adds an extra layer of crispiness.
  • Serve: Once done, remove the bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo sauce, cauliflower, Spicy, vegan