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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Best Easy Recipe

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These crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a healthy, satisfying alternative to wings. Ready in 20 minutes, they feature a shatteringly crisp crust and tangy buffalo sauce that clings to every crevice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds or 900g), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup water (180ml), or more as needed
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (120ml), such as Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15ml), optional
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, optional
  • Fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks, optional
  • Chopped green onions or fresh chives for garnish, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets (about 1 to 1.5 inches across). Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  2. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the water gradually while whisking until you have a smooth, thin batter (pancake batter consistency). If too thick, add another tablespoon of water; if too thin, add a bit more flour.
  3. Coat the florets: Add the dried cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. Let them sit in the batter for about 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. Place the battered florets in a single layer, leaving at least half an inch of space between each piece. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry the first side: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Do not touch them during this time.
  7. Flip and continue: Open the basket and use tongs to carefully flip each floret. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray again. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Start checking at the 8-minute mark.
  8. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  9. Toss in sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  10. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, along with celery and carrot sticks if desired.

Notes

For best results, pat cauliflower dry before battering. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Toss in sauce right before serving to maintain crispiness. For oven method: preheat to 425°F (220°C), bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower, crispy cauliflower bites, healthy buffalo wings, vegetarian appetizer, game day snack

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/crispy-air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-best-easy-recipe/