Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

$- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option) - 1 cup plant-based milk (or regular milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Cauliflower is the star here. It gives a nice crunch and absorbs flavors well. Choose a firm head with no brown spots. The flour acts as a binder. It helps the batter stick to the cauliflower. You can use all-purpose flour or chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free. The plant-based milk helps make the batter creamy. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Paprika gives a hint of smoke. Buffalo sauce adds the heat and flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. You can swap the flour for almond or oat flour if needed. For a vegan option, stick with plant-based milk. If you want less heat, use a mild sauce. You can add spices like cayenne or chili powder for extra kick. If you like more crunch, toss in some panko bread crumbs before air frying. Fresh herbs like cilantro can replace parsley for a different flavor. To start, gather your ingredients. You need a medium head of cauliflower, flour, and plant-based milk. You will also need garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 1. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This makes them easy to dip and eat. 2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 3. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk. Keep mixing until the batter is smooth. It should feel like pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more flour. 4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Shake off any extra batter. Now, it’s time to cook the cauliflower bites. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps cook the cauliflower evenly. 2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. This keeps the bites from sticking. 3. Place the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them; cook in batches if needed. 4. Air fry the florets for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy. 5. While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a bowl. Stir well for a smooth blend. Once the cauliflower is golden brown, it’s time to add the sauce. 1. Carefully transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. 2. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. 3. Place the cauliflower back into the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. This step makes the sauce stick and adds extra crispiness to the bites. Serve these spicy bites on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley. Add a side of celery sticks and ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation! To make sure your cauliflower bites turn out crispy, follow these tips: - Coat Well: Make sure each floret is well-coated in the batter. This helps it get that crispy texture. - Don’t Overcrowd: Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp. - Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all over. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days in the fridge. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This brings back the crunch. You can also use an oven at the same temperature. These buffalo cauliflower bites are great on their own, but you can make them even better. Serve them with: - Celery Sticks: The crunch pairs well with the spicy bites. - Vegan Ranch Dressing: This cool dip balances the heat. - Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle for added color and flavor. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite sides! {{image_2}} You can easily make these bites gluten-free. Just swap out regular flour for chickpea flour. Chickpea flour gives a nice flavor and works well in this recipe. It also keeps the texture light and crispy. You can find chickpea flour in many grocery stores or online. Want to change things up? Try adding spices to the batter. Here are some great ideas: - Cayenne Pepper: For extra heat, add a pinch. - Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. - Nutritional Yeast: Add this for a cheesy taste without cheese. Feel free to mix and match these flavors. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. While buffalo sauce is a classic, you can try other sauces too. Here are a few tasty options: - BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. - Teriyaki Sauce: This gives a nice Asian flair. - Sriracha: Add this for a spicy kick. You can even mix sauces. For a spicy BBQ flavor, blend buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce. The options are endless! To store leftover buffalo cauliflower bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them again, just reheat in the air fryer. This keeps them crispy. You can freeze buffalo cauliflower bites if you have extras. First, let them cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Then, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When you are ready, cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Buffalo cauliflower bites are best when fresh. However, they can stay good for a bit. In the fridge, they last about three days. In the freezer, they keep for up to three months. To enjoy them at their best, eat them sooner rather than later. To make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, start by mixing flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Next, whisk in plant-based milk until you get a smooth batter. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the battered florets in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. In another bowl, mix buffalo sauce and olive oil. Once the cauliflower is crispy, toss it in the sauce and return to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water. This helps the batter stick better and keeps the bites crispy. Frozen florets may need a bit longer to cook. Keep an eye on them in the air fryer. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites pair well with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for dipping. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or as a side dish with your favorite vegan or meat main course. For added flavor, try garnishing them with fresh parsley. This blog post guided you through making tasty Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. We covered essential ingredients, offered step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared helpful tips to keep them crispy. You can even explore variations and storage options for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and allows you to be creative. Enjoy your Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with your favorite sauces or sides. Happy cooking!$

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Get ready to spice up your snack game with these Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! This easy recipe transforms cauliflower into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for any gathering. With a quick preparation and just 30 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a deliciously healthy treat that's sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your appetizer game today! #AirFryerRecipes #VeganSnacks #HealthyEating #BuffaloCauliflower

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Ingredients

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

1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

1 cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Slowly whisk in the plant-based milk until the batter is smooth. It should be the consistency of pancake batter; adjust with additional flour or milk as needed.

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they are well-coated. Shake off any excess.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a bowl; mix well.

Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top. Toss to coat evenly.

Return the cauliflower back to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to set the sauce and crisp them up further.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites on a large platter, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a side of celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!