Make the ultimate game day vegetarian snack with these crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites. They are spicy, tangy, and deliver the crunch you want in a healthier alternative to wings.
Author:katiehayes
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 cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (or regular milk)
1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or preferred hot sauce)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the cauliflower: In a medium bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the plant milk. Let them soak for 10 minutes to help the coating stick better.
Make the dry coating: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Coat the cauliflower: Drain the cauliflower well. Dredge each floret in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Air fry the cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°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. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until just combined. Do not boil.
Toss and serve: Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower bites to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best game day experience.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated florets with cooking spray before the first air fry cycle.
If you prefer a baked version, arrange the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level for your crowd.