© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites 🥦🔥✨
1. Introduction
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and healthy buffalo cauliflower appetizer, look no further! These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying snack. Made with tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce and baked to perfection, this dish combines spicy, crispy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply want a tasty air fryer veggie bites alternative, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
2. Ingredients Needed for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 cup of water or plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for coating
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Preparing the Cauliflower
Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets. This ensures they cook uniformly and turn out crispy and flavorful.
Making the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable; add a little more water if necessary.
Coating the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack. Repeat with all the florets.
Baking or Air Frying the Cauliflower
If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray and cook in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
Adding the Buffalo Sauce
Once crispy, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. For extra flavor, you can drizzle additional buffalo sauce at this stage.
Final Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Serve your buffalo cauliflower appetizer hot with your favorite dip or side. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped green onions or crushed vegan ranch chips.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower
To keep leftovers crispy, store the cooled cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in your air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or in a hot oven until warmed through and crispy again.
5. Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These crispy cauliflower snacks are perfect served with a side of vegan ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a cool celery and carrot sticks platter. For a full meal, pair them with a fresh garden salad or serve as part of a plant-based platter at your next party.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo Cauliflower
Can I make buffalo cauliflower bites gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used. Feel free to add more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste. Use a mild sauce if you prefer less heat!
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process takes approximately 40 minutes, including prep, cooking, and tossing in buffalo sauce. It’s a quick and tasty air fryer veggie bites recipe.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes results in equally crispy cauliflower bites.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Enhance your cooking with this versatile device that crisps up your cauliflower perfectly without extra oil.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: A durable cookware set makes baking and roasting easier.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Perfect for making crispy snacks like buffalo cauliflower bites in seconds!
8. Tips to Make Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the batter is thick enough to adhere well to the cauliflower pieces.
- Preheat your air fryer or oven to achieve crispy results.
- Toss the baked or air-fried cauliflower in buffalo sauce while still warm for maximum flavor absorption.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy making these crispy buffalo cauliflower bites for a fun, spicy, and healthy snack or appetizer. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for everyone — whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just love flavorful air fryer veggie bites. Serve them hot with your favorite dips and watch them disappear in minutes! Don’t forget to check out the delicious pasta recipes or the chewy chocolate chip cookies for sweet cravings after your spicy snack.
Print
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites perfect for snacking or entertaining.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the flour mixture, then roll in panko breadcrumbs.
- Spray cauliflower with olive oil and air fry for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Toss the cauliflower bites in buffalo sauce and serve hot with blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying buffalo sauce quantity.
- Serve with celery sticks for a classic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 cauliflower bites
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
