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Recipe card for buffalo cauliflower bites

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

These Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver all the crunch and heat of traditional wings without the meat or deep frying. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or a spicy snack!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower Base
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
Batter & Coating
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup water or unsweetened plant milk
Buffalo Sauce
  • 1/3 cup hot sauce e.g. Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 Tbsp vegan butter melted
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Optional Extras
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Celery or carrot sticks for serving
  • Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Line the basket with parchment or spray lightly with oil.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add water (or plant milk) until a thick batter forms.
  3. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, ensuring each piece is coated. Shake off excess batter.
  4. Place florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Shake basket or flip cauliflower, then cook for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. Meanwhile, whisk hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make buffalo sauce.
  7. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over and toss gently to coat.
  8. Return coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for 2–3 more minutes to set the sauce.
  9. Garnish with herbs and serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Ensure cauliflower is dry before battering to avoid sogginess. You can bake instead of air fry at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway. To store, refrigerate up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.