Description
Crispy, zesty Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver a spicy kick straight from your air fryer, promising a healthier twist on classic game day snacks. Crunchy florets coated in tangy sauce make perfect finger food for hungry crowds seeking bold flavors with less guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into small-to-medium florets (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buffalo-style wing sauce
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Meticulously trim cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly dried to maximize crispiness.
- Create a robust seasoned batter by whisking flour with water and aromatic spices, blending garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a smooth mixture.
- Gently fold cauliflower pieces into the seasoned batter, ensuring each floret is comprehensively coated with the flavorful blend.
- Prepare the air fryer and carefully arrange cauliflower pieces in a single, uncrowded layer to promote optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Initiate air frying at 400°F, allowing cauliflower to transform into golden, crispy morsels, rotating midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform browning.
- Extract cauliflower from the air fryer and generously drench with zesty buffalo sauce, thoroughly coating each piece for maximum flavor intensity.
- Return sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for a final crisping session, monitoring closely to prevent burning while enhancing texture.
- Present the spicy buffalo cauliflower bites alongside cooling ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing, complemented by fresh celery and carrot sticks for a complete appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is completely dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Adjust buffalo sauce intensity by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding honey for a balanced sweet-spicy flavor profile.
- Use parchment paper or air fryer liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, especially when working with saucy recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg