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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 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 for a creamier texture) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving I love using fresh cauliflower for this recipe. It makes the bites crispy and tasty. The all-purpose flour helps the batter stick well. Plus, buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick we all crave. For seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring depth. They make each bite bursting with flavor. The salt and black pepper balance everything out. If you want a creamier batter, use plant-based milk. It gives a nice touch. Olive oil is great for that golden crispiness we love. Finally, serve the bites with celery sticks and ranch dressing. It cools the spice and makes each bite even better! Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. This helps the cauliflower cook evenly. Wash a medium head of cauliflower well. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are dry for better batter adherence. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of water or plant-based milk. Aim for a smooth batter that sticks to the florets. Take each floret and dip it into the batter. Let any excess batter drip off. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This stops them from sticking together. Lightly spray the florets with olive oil. Cook them in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures every piece becomes golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour 1 cup of buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss until every floret is well coated. Put the sauced cauliflower back in the air fryer. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes at 400°F. This step makes the bites extra crispy and flavorful. Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. Serve hot on a plate. Add fresh celery sticks and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. This adds a nice crunch and coolness to each bite. Getting the right texture is key. A thick batter helps the cauliflower stay crunchy. If it is too thin, it won't stick well. The batter should coat the florets evenly. Test the batter by dipping a floret. It should cling without dripping too much. To boost flavor, try adding more spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Consider adding a teaspoon of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. These will make each bite pop with flavor. Air fryers can vary in heat. If yours cooks hotter, check your bites sooner. Start at 12 minutes and adjust as needed. If they need more time, add in 1-2 minute increments. Always shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. {{image_4}} If you want a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour. These flours work well in the batter. Simply swap the all-purpose flour with one of these. Both options will still give you that crispy texture. You may need to adjust the amount of water for the right consistency. To make this dish vegan, replace the water with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. This will keep the batter creamy and delicious. Make sure the buffalo sauce you choose is vegan-friendly. Many brands offer great options that pack a punch without any animal products. Feel free to experiment with different sauces and seasonings. You can try ranch seasoning for a creamy twist or add some cayenne pepper for extra heat. Other popular sauces like teriyaki or barbecue can also work well. Just toss the cooked bites in your chosen sauce before the final crisping for a unique flavor. To keep your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the bites in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep them safe to eat. They’ll stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Before storing, let them cool to room temperature. This prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy. When you want to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. Use the air fryer to keep them crispy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives the crunch. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soft. If you want to freeze the bites, do it before adding the buffalo sauce. Place the cooked, uncoated bites on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This method keeps their flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites ahead of time. Prepare them and store in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will help maintain their crispy texture. To make the recipe less spicy, use less buffalo sauce. You can also mix it with a bit of plant-based milk or yogurt. This will tone down the heat. If you want a milder flavor, try using barbecue sauce instead. These bites pair well with ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a creamy blue cheese dip. Fresh celery sticks add a nice crunch. They make a great snack or side dish for parties. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Check for doneness after about 10 minutes in the air fryer. In this article, we explored how to make tasty Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. We covered key ingredients like cauliflower florets, flour, and buffalo sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for the best texture, and fun variations. Remember, you can easily customize this dish to fit your diet. Whether you want it vegan or gluten-free, the options are endless. Enjoy impressing your friends with these delicious bites, whether as a snack or a fun dinner side. Try it out, and have fun in the kitchen!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Discover the ultimate Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites that are crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious! This easy recipe requires just a few ingredients and is perfect for a healthier snack or party appetizer. Simply coat fresh cauliflower florets in a flavorful batter, air fry to golden perfection, and toss in buffalo sauce for an unforgettable kick. Ready to dive into this tasty treat? Click through for detailed instructions and start cooking today!
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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 for a creamier texture)

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Celery sticks and ranch dressing for dipping and garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat for approximately 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

    Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, add the bite-sized cauliflower florets, ensuring they are washed and dried.

      Create the Batter: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in the water (or plant-based milk) until you achieve a smooth and thick batter that clings to the florets.

        Coat the Cauliflower: Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding.

          Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly mist the battered florets with olive oil for optimal crispiness. Cook them in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to facilitate even cooking. The final texture should be golden brown and crispy.

            Add Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked cauliflower bites to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the spicy sauce.

              Final Crisping: Return the sauced cauliflower back to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F. This step enhances the flavor and adds extra crispiness to the bites.

                Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer. Serve them hot, presented attractively with fresh celery sticks and a side of ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

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