Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious, healthier alternative to chicken wings. They're perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and pair well with your favourite creamy dip. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is incredibly easy to make, with most recipes taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. The air fryer gives the cauliflower bites a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying, making them a great option for those looking for a healthier snack.

Choosing and preparing the cauliflower

Choosing the right cauliflower is essential for making delicious buffalo cauliflower bites in your air fryer. Look for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower with tight florets and a bright white colour. Avoid cauliflowers with loose florets, discolouration, or signs of browning or moisture.

Once you've selected the perfect cauliflower, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Remove any leaves and trim the stem: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away any green leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem so that it is roughly even with the base of the florets.
• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets: Depending on the size of your cauliflower, cut each floret into 1- to 2-inch pieces. You want them to be a good size for popping into your mouth but not too big, as this may affect cooking time and crispiness.
• Wash and dry the florets: Rinse the florets in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a salad spinner or a clean tea towel to dry them thoroughly. This step is crucial, as any moisture on the florets can affect the crispiness of your final dish.
• (Optional) Blanch the florets: If you want to reduce the risk of soggy cauliflower, you can blanch the florets before battering and air-frying them. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the florets, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry them thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
• (Optional) Season the florets: If you want to add some extra flavour to your cauliflower bites, you can season the florets before battering them. Try tossing them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, or your favourite spices.
• Prepare your batter: There are many different batter recipes you can use for buffalo cauliflower bites, ranging from simple flour and water mixtures to more complex combinations that include spices, milk, and other ingredients. Choose a batter recipe that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Coat the florets in batter: Dip each floret into the batter, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the florets in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to successful buffalo cauliflower bites is to ensure your florets are dry before battering and that your air fryer is not overcrowded during cooking. This will help you achieve the desired crispiness and avoid sogginess.

Making the batter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on your preferred recipe, but the key ingredients for the batter include all-purpose flour, cornstarch (also known as cornflour), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper or black pepper to enhance the flavour.

Now, let's get started! Begin by preparing your cauliflower florets. Cut a large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniformity in size so they cook evenly. Give them a good rinse and pat them dry to ensure the batter adheres well.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and any additional spices you wish to include. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated.

Slowly add water to the dry mixture and continue whisking until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets evenly. You may adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Once your batter is ready, it's time to dip the cauliflower! Add the florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Lift each floret and allow any excess batter to drip back into the bowl. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

After coating, carefully place the battered florets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with a little space around each one. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the crispiness of your cauliflower bites. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Now, you're ready to air fry! Follow the temperature and timing guidelines provided by your chosen recipe, typically cooking for around 10-15 minutes. Don't forget to flip the florets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once they're golden brown and crispy, your buffalo cauliflower bites are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as an appetizer or snack, pairing them with your favourite dipping sauce.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and sauces to create your own unique variations of buffalo cauliflower bites. Enjoy!

Cooking the cauliflower

Now that you've prepared your cauliflower florets, it's time to cook them to perfection in your air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you get crispy, delicious results:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before you begin cooking, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the specific recipe you're following.

Step 2: Prepare Your Air Fryer Basket

Coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or a light layer of oil. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure that your cauliflower florets release easily after cooking.

Step 3: Arrange the Cauliflower Florets

Place the battered or coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't touch each other and that there is space around each floret. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the florets in batches.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

Close the air fryer and set the cooking time and temperature according to your recipe. For crispy results, cook the cauliflower florets for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F to 400°F, depending on your recipe. You may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your florets.

Step 5: Flip the Florets Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and browning, it's important to flip the florets halfway through the cooking process. Carefully open the air fryer and use tongs or a spatula to turn the florets over. Close the air fryer and continue cooking until done.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove one floret and insert a fork or knife into it to check if it is tender. If it is still too firm, return it to the air fryer and cook in 2-minute increments until tender.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Cauliflower florets are best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight out of the air fryer. Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a side of celery or carrot sticks.

Remember, the key to successful air-fried cauliflower is ensuring that the florets don't overcrowd the air fryer basket and that you flip them halfway through the cooking process. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy buffalo cauliflower bites every time!

Making the sauce

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce (Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a popular choice)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1/4 cup of honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

• In a large bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, olive oil, melted butter, honey (if using), garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and slightly thickened.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or garlic powder. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey.
• Set the sauce aside until your cauliflower florets are ready to be coated.
• Once the cauliflower florets have been air-fried and are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl.
• Pour the sauce over the cauliflower florets and toss gently to coat them evenly.
• Return the sauced cauliflower florets to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the florets are crispy.
• Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and celery or carrot sticks on the side.

Serving suggestions

As a Snack or Appetizer

These bites are a great vegan snack or appetizer, perfect for game day. For a full full "buffalo wings" experience, serve them with celery and carrot sticks, and a creamy dip like vegan ranch dressing, blue cheese, or avocado ranch dressing.

In a Wrap or Taco

Add some crunch to your lunch by putting the buffalo cauliflower in a wrap or taco with lettuce, any extra veggies, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

On a Salad

Try adding some air fryer buffalo cauliflower to a salad. It will pair well with lettuce leaves, zucchini noodles, shredded cabbage, creamy avocado, and a green tahini dressing.

As a Side Dish

These bites also work well as a side dish. Try serving them with vegetarian chili or black bean soup.

In a Veggie-Packed Bowl

Turn the spicy, crispy cauliflower into a main dish by serving it on a bed of rice with shredded cabbage, creamy avocado, and a green tahini dressing.

With Other Game Day Snacks

If you're looking for more game day pairing suggestions, try serving these bites with healthy sweet potato skins, cheesy cauliflower nachos, zucchini pizza bites, or Asian chicken lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions