Go Back
–+ servings
Buffalo cauliflower on a parchment-lined sheet pan with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 16 pieces
Calories: 140kcal
Author: Mike Cleavenger

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 large cauliflower head cut into florets
  • 1 quart buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray
  • buffalo sauce
  • blue cheese dressing

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

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 1mg