Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable Version)

Crispy cauliflower florets tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

→ Buffalo Sauce

08 - ½ cup buffalo hot sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

→ For Serving

11 - Celery sticks
12 - Carrot sticks
13 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth batter forms.
03 - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coat evenly, and shake off excess.
04 - Arrange battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
05 - While cauliflower cooks, combine buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup in a large bowl.
06 - Transfer cooked cauliflower immediately to the buffalo sauce and toss until fully coated.
07 - Serve hot with celery and carrot sticks alongside optional ranch or blue cheese dressing.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get that addictive buffalo wing flavor without any meat or deep frying mess
  • The outside stays shatteringly crispy while the inside remains tender, not mushy like some baked versions
02 -
  • The cauliflower must be completely dry before battering or the coating will slide right off in the air fryer
  • Work in batches rather than overcrowding the basket, otherwise you end up with soggy spots
03 -
  • If the batter seems too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until it coats easily
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes to bring back some crispiness
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