Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy and tangy plant-based snack that’s a perfect alternative to traditional buffalo wings. These crispy, air-fried cauliflower florets are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, delivering the bold flavors of classic wings in a lighter, vegetarian option. Perfect for game days, parties, or as a side dish, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based or regular milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into a smooth batter.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. For extra crunch, roll in breadcrumbs after dipping.
- Air-fry the cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the coated florets in the basket in a single layer. Air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the buffalo sauce: In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Adjust the ratio for desired spice level.
- Toss the florets in sauce: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Return the sauced florets to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes at 375°F for a slightly caramelized finish. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Servings:
- Serves 4 people.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~480mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the buffalo sauce and breadcrumbs used.
Key Notes:
- Spice adjustment: If you prefer a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or dilute it with more butter or honey.
- Crispiness: Adding breadcrumbs enhances the crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter for the sauce and dairy-free milk in the batter for a completely vegan dish.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver a satisfying kick with minimal guilt—perfect for all occasions!