Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: 7 Steps to Crispy Perfection
Creating the ultimate Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites starts with a few simple ingredients that come together for maximum crunch and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each element is essential:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
🥦 Cauliflower (1 medium head, cut into florets)
Cauliflower is the star of this dish—mild in flavor but meaty in texture. When battered and crisped, it soaks up that bold buffalo sauce like a champ.
🧂 All-Purpose Flour (½ cup)
Forms the base of the batter, giving each bite a crispy outer shell. Want gluten-free? Swap in rice flour or chickpea flour for a similar effect.
💧 Water (½ cup)
Combines with the flour to create a smooth, pourable batter that coats the cauliflower evenly.
🧄 Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (½ tsp)
These pantry staples infuse savory depth into the batter—no bland bites here.
🧂 Salt (¼ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp)
Simple seasonings that boost flavor without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
🌶️ Buffalo Sauce (1 cup)
The main event. Choose your favorite store-bought brand or go homemade. Tangy, spicy, and essential for that classic wing flavor.
🧈 Melted Butter (1 tbsp, optional)
Mixing in butter adds a richer, restaurant-style finish. Use vegan butter or skip for a lighter bite.
🧴 Non-Stick Cooking Spray
A quick spritz ensures your bites don’t stick and helps them crisp up evenly in the air fryer.
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier finish.
🥣 Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
The batter should be smooth and slightly thick—enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
🥦 Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Add your cauliflower florets to the batter and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated. This step is key to getting that golden, crispy texture.
🍳 Step 4: Load the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the battered cauliflower in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Work in batches if needed for even crisping.
⏱️ Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
🌶️ Step 6: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix your 1 cup of buffalo sauce with 1 tbsp melted butter (optional for a richer finish). Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
🔄 Step 7 (Optional but 🔥): Re-Air Fry for Extra Crisp
Return the sauced bites to the air fryer for another 2–3 minutes. This helps the sauce caramelize and cling, giving the bites that signature sticky, crispy coating.
🍽️ Step 8: Serve Hot
Plate your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Find it online: https://www.recipesloop.com/air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-bites/