Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These crispy, spicy Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver all the satisfaction of traditional buffalo wings while cutting calories by up to 70%—perfect for both dedicated vegetarians and curious carnivores alike. Transform humble cauliflower into an irresistible treat that even die-hard wing enthusiasts will love!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower about 2 pounds, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 large eggs beaten (or ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon flaxseed for vegan option)
- 1 cup almond flour or all-purpose flour if not gluten-sensitive
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray
For the buffalo sauce
- 1/3 cup hot sauce Frank's RedHot gives authentic buffalo flavor
- 3 tablespoons butter melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
For serving
- ranch or blue cheese dressing use dairy-free versions for vegan option
- celery and carrot sticks sliced
- fresh parsley or chives chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut your cauliflower into evenly-sized florets (about 1½ inches). Consistency is key here—uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
- Pour the beaten eggs (or vegan alternative) into a separate bowl. Working assembly-line style will make this process significantly cleaner and more efficient.
- Dip each cauliflower piece in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat in the seasoned flour mixture. Place on a plate while you finish the batch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10 minutes, then gently flip or shake the basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower cooks, combine hot sauce, melted butter, honey, garlic powder, and vinegar in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Transfer the air-fried cauliflower to the buffalo sauce bowl and gently toss until evenly coated. Return to the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and beginning to caramelize on the edges.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
For a lower-carb version, replace almond flour with crushed pork rinds.
For an oil-free option, skip the butter and use 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder whisked with the hot sauce.
For a milder flavor, reduce hot sauce to ¼ cup and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the coating.
For an oil-free option, skip the butter and use 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder whisked with the hot sauce.
For a milder flavor, reduce hot sauce to ¼ cup and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the coating.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!