Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Spicy, crunchy cauliflower florets coated in tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for snacking or sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Buffalo Sauce

10 - 1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or the oven to 425°F. If using the oven, line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
04 - Dredge each battered floret in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
05 - Place the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking tray.
06 - Air-fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
07 - While cooking, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup if using, in a small bowl.
08 - Transfer the cooked cauliflower bites to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
09 - Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Crispy outside, tender inside, with none of the guilt from deep frying.
  • Takes less time than ordering takeout and tastes twice as good.
  • Everyone thinks youve been cooking for hours when it only took 40 minutes.
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the basket or tray, or theyll steam instead of crisp.
  • Toss them in sauce right before serving, not earlier, or they lose their crunch.
  • If your batter is too thin, add a tablespoon more flour so it clings properly.
03 -
  • Pat the cauliflower dry before battering so the coating sticks and crisps perfectly.
  • Use a spray bottle to mist the coated florets with oil before cooking for extra golden color.
  • Taste your buffalo sauce before tossing and adjust the honey or heat to match your mood.
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