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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup water (or plant-based milk) - 1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving To make these Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, gather your ingredients. Start with a fresh medium head of cauliflower, and chop it into bite-sized florets. This helps them cook evenly and makes for a perfect bite. Next, you need all-purpose flour and garlic powder. The flour helps create a nice coating. Garlic powder adds a great flavor. You’ll also need seasoning. Grab onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices bring out the best taste in your bites. Don’t forget the buffalo sauce! This is the star of the dish. You can adjust how much you use based on your spice level. For a crispy finish, have some olive oil ready. If you want to serve these bites with something, celery sticks and ranch dressing are great options. They pair well with the heat of buffalo sauce. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother. Mixing flavors and textures is key to making this dish a hit. Enjoy your cooking adventure! - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. - While it heats, cut a medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. - Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of water or plant-based milk. Aim for a smooth batter that coats the florets well. - Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter. Let any extra batter drip off. - Place the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. - Lightly spray the florets with olive oil for extra crispiness. - Cook the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. The florets should look golden and crispy. - Once cooked, toss the cauliflower bites in 1 cup of buffalo sauce until they are well coated. - Return the bites to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F. This adds flavor and crispiness. - Serve hot, and add celery sticks and ranch dressing if you like. To make the best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, you need a good batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat each floret, but not too thick. If it is too runny, it won’t stick well. Start with one cup of flour and mix in water until you reach a smooth consistency. Lightly spray the cauliflower with olive oil before cooking. This helps create a crispy outside. The oil also adds flavor. Just a quick spray will do. Buffalo sauce can vary in heat. If you like it spicy, use more sauce. Start with half a cup and add more to taste. If you want a milder flavor, use less. You can also mix in some honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This balances the heat nicely. For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter. This adds a nice dimension to the flavor. Serving is half the fun! Garnish your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with celery sticks for crunch. Celery helps cool down the heat, making it a perfect match. You can also drizzle ranch dressing over the bites for extra flavor. For a colorful plate, add some carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes. They add freshness and look great. Serve everything on a large platter for a fun presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the coating for your buffalo cauliflower bites. To make them gluten-free, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond flour gives a nice crunch and flavor. For a vegan option, replace the water with plant-based milk. This keeps the batter creamy and adds a hint of sweetness. Want to boost the flavor? You can add nutritional yeast to give your bites a cheesy taste. It’s a great way to add depth without real cheese. If you like heat, try mixing in some extra hot sauce into the batter. This will make your bites even spicier and more exciting. Feel free to get creative with other veggies! You can use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers with the same cooking method. They will soak up the buffalo sauce and taste amazing. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also great choices. They add different textures and flavors while still being tasty! To keep your buffalo cauliflower bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. The best way to reheat these bites is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F and bake them for about 10 minutes. To maintain crispiness, avoid using the microwave. The microwave will make the bites soft and chewy. If you must use it, keep the time short. You can freeze cooked cauliflower bites for up to one month. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bites in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to regain that crispy texture. Yes, you can switch all-purpose flour for other types. Here are some good options: - Almond flour: This is a gluten-free choice. It adds a nutty flavor. - Rice flour: This makes the bites crispy and is also gluten-free. - Chickpea flour: This option adds protein and a unique taste. Each flour gives a different texture and flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! Yes, you can prep these bites ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep the cauliflower: Cut the florets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Make the batter: Mix the dry ingredients and store them separately. Combine with liquid right before cooking. - Cook and store: You can also cook them in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick snack or meal! To increase the heat, try these techniques: - More buffalo sauce: Add extra sauce after cooking for more kick. - Hot sauce: Mix your favorite hot sauce into the batter. - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle some on before cooking for extra heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Enjoy the heat! This guide showed how to make tasty buffalo cauliflower bites. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. I shared ways to customize flavors and suggested how to store leftovers. These bites are a fun snack for any gathering. Try different veggies and coatings for variety. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with this easy, tasty dish!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Looking for a deliciously spicy snack? Try these Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, these crispy bites are perfect for game day or as a healthy appetizer. The easy recipe guides you through battering and air frying, resulting in a satisfying crunch and a kick of buffalo sauce. Click to discover how to make this mouthwatering treat and impress your friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup water (or plant-based milk)

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    Prepare Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, add the cauliflower florets.

      Make Batter: In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the water until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets.

        Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

          Air Fry Cauliflower: Lightly spray the florets with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture. Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden and crispy.

            Add Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked cauliflower bites with the buffalo sauce until well coated.

              Final Cooking: Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F to intensify the flavor and crispiness.

                Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot, garnished with celery sticks and ranch dressing if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings