air fryer buffalo cauliflower

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

When it comes to appetizers that combine the satisfying crunch of fried food with bold, zesty flavors, these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are a game-changer. These delectable air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites capture the essence of the classic Buffalo wing but offer a vegetarian twist that’s both flavorful and guilt-free!

10 min. Prep
18 min. Cook
28 min. Total
1 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

STEP 1:

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. 

STEP 2:

cayenne
corn
cornstarch
flour
garlic
garlic powder
onion
onion powder
paprika
starch

In a large bowl, take the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, parm, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt, and whisk them all together until they are combined. 

STEP 3:

milk

Once the dry ingredients are mixed, add milk to the bowl, and continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth. 

STEP 4:

cauliflower

Next, add the cauliflower to the mixture and stir until each floret is coated evenly. 

STEP 5:

cauliflower

Now it’s time to transfer the cauliflower florets from the batter to the air fryer basket.

STEP 6:

Make sure the air fryer basket is well-greased.

STEP 7:

Make sure to lift each floret out of the batter, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each piece. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, so if you need to, work in batches to ensure even cooking. 

STEP 8:

Once the air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are in the air fryer, let it cook for 9 minutes. After the 9 minutes, remove the basket from the air fryer and flip the florets over.

STEP 9:

buffalo sauce
cauliflower

Finally, remove the basket of cauliflower from the air fryer and toss in buffalo sauce. Enjoy these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: A Brief History From Wings to Veggies

The roots of Buffalo cauliflower can be traced back to the world of chicken wings. The Buffalo wing, famously created at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, revolutionized bar food. These spicy, crispy bites quickly became an American favorite.

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Fast forward to today, and the concept of applying the Buffalo sauce magic to vegetables like cauliflower has gained momentum, reflecting a growing interest in plant-based and healthier alternatives.

Using the ever-popular and health-conscious air fryer, these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites, among other cauliflower alternatives, have taken the culinary world by storm, offering a vegetarian alternative to the traditional chicken wing.

Cauliflower, known for its versatility, is the star ingredient here, delivering a satisfying bite and soaking up the vibrant flavors of the Buffalo sauce.

The first bite of each air fryer buffalo cauliflower bite brings a satisfying crunch, followed by the explosion of flavors from the zesty sauce and the savory batter.

The spiciness of Buffalo sauce is balanced by the cooling effect of dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors that can make you forget you’re eating a vegetable.

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Is air fryer cauliflower healthier than potatoes?

If you’re looking for a healthier option than deep-fried potatoes, air-fried cauliflower may be the way to go. 

Not only is cauliflower rich in nutrients, but it also has a low-calorie count. 

Additionally, air-frying cauliflower requires less oil than deep-frying potatoes, which can help reduce the intake of unhealthy fats. 

Plus, air-frying helps retain more of the vegetable’s nutrients than other cooking methods.

What goes well with buffalo cauliflower?

You can also sprinkle some additional parmesan cheese on top. If you prefer, you can serve the cauliflower with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.

The air fryer cauliflower base is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of sauces such as sticky gochujang or classic sesame with an Asian twist.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites combine the flavors of Buffalo wings with the convenience of air frying. This dish is perfect for students seeking both taste and ease!