Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate spicy, delicious snack that will disappear from the plate faster than the opening kickoff. Perfectly crunchy and tossed in a buffalo sauce, they are the crowd-pleasing, game day appetizer you've been waiting for.
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When I first set out to create the perfect cauliflower bite, I looked into the process of fried chicken and wondered if those same principles could apply to a floret. I discovered that soaking the cauliflower in a buttermilk bath was the secret to achieving that ultra-crispy, golden texture we all crave.
Once they're crispy and hot, I toss them in my favorite buffalo sauce and serve them with my Whole30 Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing and celery sticks.
These wings are a showstopper, but they're even better when paired with other fan favorites like my creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip Without Mayo, smoky Salsa Roja, or a quick Food Processor Guacamole.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cauliflower - I large head cut into bite-sized florets
- Buttermilk - Is the glue that holds the breading, and you can substitute whole milk.
- All Purpose Flour - This creates the breaded coating. Sub: For a gluten-free version, use my homemade gluten free flour blend.
- Buffalo Sauce - Your favorite store-bought brand or a mix of hot sauce and melted butter.
- The Sides - Crunchy celery sticks, and Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing are non-negotiable.
- Spices - Chili powder, sugar, cumin, garlic granules, paprika, salt, and pepper are used.
How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Step 1. Prep the Cauliflower: Wash and cut your cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets. This ensures they all cook at the same rate.
Step 2. The Buttermilk Soak: In a large bowl or shallow pan, whisk together the buttermilk, chili powder, sugar, and cumin. Add the florets and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3. The Breading: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Lift the florets from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then toss them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Transfer the breaded pieces to a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Step 4. Air Fryer Prep: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, arrange the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking spray.
Step 5. Cook until Crispy: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake and another quick spritz of oil. Cook until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
Step 6.The Final Toss: Transfer the hot cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with your favorite buffalo sauce. Serve immediately while they're at peak crunch with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Chef Tips
- Don't Overcrowd: If you pile the florets on top of each other in the air fryer, they will steam instead of crisp. Cooking in two smaller batches is worth the extra few minutes!
- For the "Fried Chicken" Texture: Make sure your florets are well-drained after the buttermilk soak before hitting the flour. This prevents the breading from becoming a soggy paste and ensures a craggy, crispy exterior!
- This appetizer is the best to enjoy straight away: Enjoy air fryer buffalo cauliflower right after it comes out of the air fryer for it's crispy texture.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and place florets in a single layer and bake for 25 -30 minutes. Once crispy, toss them with buffalo sauce and enjoy!
Yes, keep in mind they will become soggy because of the sauce. Package them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days. To reheat, place back in a 350°F (177°C) air fryer for 3-5 minutes and toss with more buffalo sauce.
Let me help you troubleshoot! You overcrowded the air fryer basket, didn't cook the florets long enough, or you need to add more cooking spray.
I like to serve these cauliflower bites on a platter with celery and carrots sticks, with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
If you're a fan of that signature spicy kick, don't stop at cauliflower! For a hearty weeknight dinner, try my Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, or for a fresh twist on a classic, check out my Buffalo Chicken Caesar Salad.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you tried this Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe or any other appetizer on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Whisk buttermilk, chili powder, sugar, and cumin in a bowl. Add cauliflower and soak for 10-15 minutes.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. Drain excess buttermilk from florets, toss in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly, and transfer to a parchment-lined sheet.
- Arrange florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Spray generously with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Transfer the hot cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with buffalo sauce. Serve immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Don't Overcrowd: If you pile the florets on top of each other in the air fryer, they will steam instead of crisp. Cooking in two smaller batches is worth the extra few minutes!
- For the "Fried Chicken" Texture: Make sure your florets are well-drained after the buttermilk soak before hitting the flour. This prevents the breading from becoming a soggy paste and ensures a craggy, crispy exterior!
- This appetizer is the best to enjoy straight away: Enjoy air fryer buffalo cauliflower right after it comes out of the air fryer for it's crispy texture.
Nutrition
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Mike Cleavenger says
These buffalo cauliflower are the perfect appetizer for game day!
mikecleavenger says
The air fryer does a great job at making these buffalo cauliflower crispy! I enjoy making a batch of these for football Sunday. A healthy and tasty alternative to buffalo chicken.