I’ve always been a huge fan of buffalo wings — that tangy, spicy, buttery flavor is pure comfort food bliss. But sometimes, I just want that same kick without the heaviness that comes from fried chicken. That’s when these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites became my go-to. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so satisfying that even my most skeptical friends now ask for them by name.
What I love most is how easy they are to make. In less than 25 minutes, you can turn a simple head of cauliflower into a plate of zesty, golden bites that rival any game-day snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a fun veggie side, or a meatless option that doesn’t feel like a compromise, these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites deliver every time.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Cauliflower: This is the star of the show — hearty, mild, and perfect for soaking up that bold buffalo flavor. Choose a fresh head with firm, tight florets and no brown spots. When air-fried, it gets tender on the inside and develops a satisfying crunch on the edges.
Buffalo sauce: The fiery, tangy coating that gives these bites their personality. You can use your favorite brand (Frank’s RedHot is a classic), or make your own with hot sauce, butter, and a dash of garlic powder. It’s the key to getting that unmistakable buffalo kick.
Flour: A little all-purpose flour helps create a light batter that clings to the cauliflower, forming a crisp shell as it cooks. It gives the bites a satisfying texture without feeling heavy.
Garlic powder: This adds a subtle depth of flavor and a hint of savory warmth that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Paprika: For a touch of smokiness and color. You can use sweet, smoked, or even hot paprika, depending on how bold you want the flavor to be.
Salt and black pepper: These essential seasonings help bring all the other flavors to life. Don’t skip them — a pinch of each makes a big difference.
Olive oil spray: Instead of deep frying, a quick spritz of olive oil helps crisp the cauliflower in the air fryer, giving it that golden finish without all the extra oil.
Ingredients List
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water (or milk for a richer coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
Wash and cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Step 2: Make the batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick — enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
Step 3: Coat the cauliflower
Add the florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer basket to avoid sogginess.
Step 4: Air fry the cauliflower
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the florets in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Add the buffalo sauce
Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. For extra crispiness, you can pop them back into the air fryer for another 3–4 minutes after saucing.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some celery sticks — just like traditional wings!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cooking in batches ensures every bite turns crispy.
- For extra crunch, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter.
- Want less heat? Mix your buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter or honey.
- Use parchment paper liners made for air fryers to make cleanup a breeze.
- Serve immediately — the cauliflower is crispiest right out of the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crunch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour.
What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower bites?
They pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or even as a spicy topping on tacos or salads.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh works best, but if you only have frozen, thaw and pat dry before coating to avoid excess moisture.