Make crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower bites quickly. These spicy florets are a satisfying vegetarian appetizer or snack.
Author:amyrosewood
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 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (optional, for richer sauce)
1/4 cup vegan butter, melted (if making vegan)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Celery sticks, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the cauliflower: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the cold water and mix until you have a thin batter. Do not overmix; some lumps are fine.
Coat the florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
Air fry the cauliflower: Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well. Continue to cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the Buffalo sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl.
Toss the cauliflower: Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower florets to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
Serve immediately: Arrange the coated cauliflower on a platter. Serve your crispy buffalo bites with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the battered florets with cooking spray before the first air fry cycle.
If you prefer an oven-baked method, toss the battered florets with a little oil and bake on a sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce based on your preference for spice level.