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- 1 medium head of cauliflower - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredient in this recipe is the head of cauliflower. I love using fresh cauliflower because it has a great crunch. You can use any size head, but a medium one works best. Cut it into bite-sized florets for even cooking and easy eating. Next, we have the batter. The flour gives the bites a crispy coating. You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour if needed. The almond milk adds moisture and binds everything together. Feel free to use any non-dairy milk you prefer. Now, let’s talk about seasoning. Garlic powder and onion powder add flavor without overpowering the dish. Smoked paprika gives a nice warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes, making each bite pop. For the sauce, buffalo sauce brings the heat. You can use store-bought or make your own. The olive oil helps the sauce stick. If you want to add a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top when serving. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these bites a tasty treat. They pack flavor and crunch, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. - Wash and cut the cauliflower into florets. - Pat dry to remove excess moisture. Start by washing your cauliflower well under cold water. This helps remove dirt and any lingering pesticides. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Smaller pieces cook better and get crispy. After cutting, pat the florets dry with a paper towel. Removing moisture is key. This step ensures the batter sticks well and the bites get crispy. - Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. - Slowly whisk in almond milk to form a smooth batter. In a mixing bowl, gather your dry ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them together until well combined. Next, slowly add almond milk. Whisk it in until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny. - Dip cauliflower florets in the batter. - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Air fry the coated florets and add buffalo sauce. Now, take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Allow the excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about five minutes. Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the battered florets in a single layer. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the cauliflower and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss them in buffalo sauce until fully coated. Return them to the air fryer for an extra 5 to 7 minutes. This final step makes them crispy and adds flavor. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Preheating the air fryer is key. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps the cauliflower bites get that golden brown outside. If you overcrowd the basket, they won’t crisp up well. Fry in batches to give each piece room to breathe. You can spice things up by adding extra herbs. Try cayenne pepper for heat or dried oregano for a twist. If you want to make your own buffalo sauce, mix melted butter with hot sauce. This gives you control over the flavor and heat level. Pair your buffalo cauliflower bites with cool dips. Ranch and blue cheese dressing work great to balance the heat. For sides, serve fresh celery and carrot sticks. They add crunch and freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit many diets. If you need gluten-free options, simply swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This change keeps the texture crisp and delicious. You can also make it vegan by using plant-based ranch or blue cheese dressing. Many brands offer tasty vegan versions, or you can make your own at home. Do you want to mix things up? Try different sauces! Honey garlic or BBQ sauce can give a sweet twist. You can also add cheese or vegan cheese to make your bites creamy and rich. Just sprinkle some on top before the last few minutes of air frying. This will melt and add more flavor. No air fryer? No problem! You can bake these bites in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also fry them on the stovetop. Heat oil in a pan and fry the cauliflower until golden brown. This method takes a bit more attention but gives a great crunch. After enjoying your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, let them cool first. Place them in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure they are fully cooled to prevent moisture buildup. To keep your bites crispy, the air fryer is best for reheating. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and heat them for about 5 minutes. This method revives their crunch. You can also use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Toss the cauliflower bites until warm. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy. It can make them soggy. Always check for even heating before serving. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down completely before sealing. This helps to prevent moisture build-up and sogginess. If you want the best taste, eat them within the first few days. Yes, you can make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites ahead of time. To prep in advance, you can coat the cauliflower and store it in the fridge. Just wait to air fry them until you are ready to eat. If you want even more convenience, you can fully cook them and then reheat later. Just remember to keep them in a proper container. The best dipping sauces for buffalo cauliflower include ranch and blue cheese dressing. Both add a creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor. You can also try honey mustard for a sweet twist or a garlic aioli for a different taste. For a spicy kick, sriracha or a spicy yogurt dip works great too. In this blog post, I shared how to create delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to achieve perfect crispiness. I also covered storage methods and answered common questions. These bites are a tasty, healthy snack. They are easy to customize with your favorite flavors. Enjoy them with your choice of dip. You won't regret trying this recipe!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Discover the deliciousness of crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites! This easy recipe is perfect for game day or a healthy snack. With simple ingredients like cauliflower, almond milk, and buffalo sauce, you'll create a flavor-packed treat that's sure to please everyone. Ready in just 30 minutes, these bites are vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
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Ingredients
  

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

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Cauliflower: Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are not too wet.

    Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Slowly pour in the almond milk while whisking until you have a smooth batter.

      Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are completely covered. Allow any excess batter to drip off.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help achieve that crispy texture.

          Air Fry Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket (you may have to do this in batches). Air fry for 10 minutes.

            Toss with Sauce: After 10 minutes, remove the cauliflower and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss them in a bowl with the buffalo sauce until fully coated.

              Finish Cooking: Return the coated cauliflower back to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until crispy and slightly charred, shaking the basket halfway through.

                Serve: Once done, remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites on a platter with celery and carrot sticks on the side, along with a small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.