Air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a recipe about to become your new obsession! These bites are the perfect fusion of crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, transforming the humble cauliflower into a powerhouse of flavor. As we embrace healthier eating without sacrificing taste, the air fryer becomes our best friend, offering that delightful crunch we all crave with minimal oil. So ditch your traditional buffalo chicken wings and opt for air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites.
While cauliflower may not sound super exciting, these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are packed with a punch of flavor that will make your mouth water and reach for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you're a spice aficionado seeking a fiery thrill or simply eager to transform your snacking routine, this buffalo cauliflower recipe below will guarantee to captivate your taste buds right from the initial bite.
Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rest Time
0 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, add buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of oat flour. Whisk until smooth. If your buffalo sauce is still pretty runny, you can add a touch more flour. We are looking for an egg-like consistency.
3. In a separate bowl, mix oat flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt well.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the wet mixture, in the dry mix, and back into the wet mix. Shake off all excess batter and place it in your air fryer basket. Arrange the cauliflower florets coated in batter in a single, even layer within the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in multiple batches.
5. Lightly spray the cauliflower florets with cooking spray. This will help them become crispy in the air fryer.
6. Air fry at 400 degrees F for approximately 18-20 minutes, ensuring to flip them over halfway through the cooking process. They should become golden brown and crispy.
7. Once your air fryer cauliflowers are done, remove them into a large bowl. Add a generous drizzle of buffalo sauce to the cauliflower and gently toss them until they are evenly coated.
8. Serve buffalo cauliflower bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Don't forget to clean your air fryer once you are done, especially the air fryer basket, as this recipe will leave some residue behind.
Tips & Notes
Cut the cauliflower florets into similar sizes: Aim to cut the cauliflower florets into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and texture. This will ensure even cooking and result in a uniform texture throughout.
Shake off excess batter: Once you have dipped the cauliflower florets in the batter, gently shake off any excess before rolling them in the oat flour. This step is crucial in preventing clumps and achieving a delicate, crispy coating.
Use a light cooking spray or oil coating: For enhanced browning and crispiness in the air fryer, consider lightly spraying the breaded florets with cooking spray or drizzling a small amount of oil over them.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories
120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3.4g
4%
Saturated Fat 0.7g
3%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 559mg
24%
Total Carbohydrate 18.8g
7%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g
11%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 4.1g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 47mg
4%
Iron 1mg
8%
Potassium 282mg
6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Flip halfway through cooking: To achieve uniform browning, make sure to flip the florets halfway through the cooking time. This will help ensure even and consistent browning on all sides.
Toss with buffalo sauce immediately: Once the air fryer cauliflower is cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss them with the vegan buffalo sauce while they are still warm. This allows the sauce to adhere better and infuse the cauliflower with flavor.
What Are Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings or bites are a tasty and popular appetizer or snack made by coating cauliflower florets with a seasoned batter, air frying them until crispy, and tossing them in a tangy buffalo sauce. They taste very similar to buffalo wings and are often referred to as vegan-friendly buffalo wings.
What You Will Need To Make These Vegan Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Cauliflower
You'll need a head of cauliflower, a cruciferous vegetable known for its mild and versatile flavor. When air-fried, cauliflower provides the base for the bites and becomes tender on the inside while turning crispy on the outside.
If your cauliflower has some brown spots, you may still be able to use your cauliflower head. The brown spots are caused by oxidation; you can remove them by cutting or scraping them off.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is a zesty and fiery sauce usually prepared by combining hot sauce, vinegar, and various seasonings. When searching for buffalo sauce, opt for a vegan-friendly option free from animal products. It provides the signature buffalo flavor and heat to the cauliflower bites.
Oat Flour
Oat flour is made by grinding rolled oats into a fine powder. It adds a light and nutty flavor to the coating of the cauliflower. Oat flour is gluten-free and provides a wholesome and nutritious alternative to traditional flours.
Panko Breadcrumb
Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese breadcrumbs made from white bread without crusts. They have a coarser and flakier texture than traditional breadcrumbs and tend to create a lighter and crunchier coating when used in recipes.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a convenient and flavor-packed ingredient that adds a savory, garlicky taste to the cauliflower. It elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding a delightful touch to every bite.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is made from dehydrated and finely ground onions. It provides a concentrated and subtle flavor that adds depth to dishes without overwhelming the other flavors present. The powder carries the essence of onions, providing a pleasant, savory, and slightly sweet taste.
Paprika
Paprika is a spice made by grinding dried peppers. It adds a mild smokiness and a vibrant red color to the cauliflower coating, bringing a depth of flavor and visual appeal to the dish. If paprika is unavailable, you can opt for a paprika substitute.
Salt And Black Pepper
These seasonings play a vital role in elevating the overall taste of the cauliflower, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. Salt provides a savory balance, while black pepper adds a hint of heat and complexity.
How To Store Leftovers
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Choose an appropriately sized container to hold the cauliflower without overcrowding them. Then, place the container in the refrigerator. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for approximately 3-4 days, ensuring their freshness by chilling them.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F and heat the air fryer cauliflower for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through. This will help restore their crispiness.
Popular Dipping Sauce
Ranch Dressing
A classic choice for dipping, vegan ranch dressing provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor. You can find store-bought vegan ranch dressing or make your own using dairy-free alternatives like plant-based mayonnaise, non-dairy milk, and herbs.
Blue Cheese Dressing
If you enjoy the traditional pairing of buffalo sauce with blue cheese, you can find vegan versions of blue cheese dressing or make your own using vegan-friendly ingredients like cashews, tofu, or non-dairy yogurt.
Sour Cream
A simple and tangy dip, vegan sour cream complements the spicy flavor of the buffalo cauliflower. You can find store-bought vegan sour cream or make your own using ingredients like cashews, tofu, or non-dairy yogurt.
Chipotle Mayo
For a smoky and slightly spicy dip, try mixing vegan mayo with chipotle pepper or chipotle adobo sauce. Adjust the amount of chipotle to customize the level of spiciness according to your preference, adding more or less as desired.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce can be a great option for a sweet and tangy dip. It provides a balance of flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the cauliflower.
Barbecue Sauce
For a different twist, barbecue sauce can be a tasty dipping option. Choose a vegan barbecue sauce that matches your flavor preferences, such as smoky, sweet, or spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use A Different Sauce Instead Of Buffalo Wing Sauce?
Certainly! If you're not fond of buffalo sauce, explore other sauces or seasonings that align with your preferences and experiment with different flavors. Barbecue, teriyaki, or even a homemade spicy mayo can be great alternatives.
Can I Bake The Buffalo Cauliflower Instead Of Using An Air Fryer?
Certainly! If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can still enjoy the cauliflower bites by baking them in a preheated oven at approximately 450°F. Simply arrange them on a prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy, remembering to flip them halfway through the baking process. While the buffalo cauliflower is baking, you can prepare the buffalo sauce. Once the roasted cauliflower is done, pour the buffalo sauce over and toss gently to coat the florets evenly.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Game day treat: If you're hosting a game day gathering, serve the air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites alongside other classic game days snacks like nachos, sliders, celery sticks or onion rings. They make a satisfying and flavorful addition to the spread.
Appetizer: Serve the air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites as a flavorful appetizer at parties, gatherings, or game nights. Arrange them on a platter alongside various dipping sauces like vegan ranch dressing, vegan blue cheese dressing, or spicy mayo for guests to enjoy.
Party platter: Create a party platter with various finger foods and appetizers. Include the buffalo cauliflower bites alongside other vegan-friendly options like veggie skewers, sweet potato fries, stuffed mushrooms, celery sticks, sliced carrots, and more.
Make Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos or Wraps: Use the air fryer buffalo cauliflower to fill tacos or wraps. Add them to tortillas, fresh veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of sauce for a tasty and satisfying handheld meal.
Can I Make These Cauliflower Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make air-fried buffalo cauliflower bites gluten-free by using gluten-free flour like almond, coconut, or oat flour. Make sure to use gluten-free sauces and breadcrumbs to ensure that all the ingredients are suitable for a gluten-free diet. Opt for gluten-free alternatives throughout the recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions.
