Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Make tender cauliflower florets crispy in the air fryer, then toss them in a zesty buffalo sauce. This recipe creates a satisfying, spicy appetizer perfect for game day or a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot or similar cayenne pepper sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter alternative)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. Excess moisture prevents crisping.
- Create the coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until every piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook in stages: Air fry for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Toss with sauce: Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated cauliflower with oil before the first air fry cycle.
- If you prefer a lower-carb option, skip the flour coating and toss the dry cauliflower directly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before air frying.
- This recipe works well for Keto Buffalo Cauliflower if you use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 15