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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Oven Option Included)

Close-up of crispy, breaded buffalo cauliflower bites generously drizzled with bright orange buffalo sauce on a white plate.
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Make satisfyingly crispy buffalo cauliflower bites using an air fryer or oven. This recipe offers a flavorful, plant-based alternative to wings, perfect for game day or a spicy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for gluten-free, use gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (like almond or soy)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: Ingredients for dipping sauce (e.g., vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly. Moisture prevents crispiness.
  2. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Dip the cauliflower: Pour the plant milk into a separate shallow bowl. Dip each cauliflower floret first into the dry flour mixture, then into the plant milk, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
  4. Cook the cauliflower (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Place the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Cook the cauliflower (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
  6. Make the sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter (or oil), and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl.
  7. Toss and serve: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, immediately transfer the hot florets to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss gently until every piece is coated.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe is a great alternative to traditional wings when you are looking at meal planning for a crowd.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free result, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • If you prefer a thicker coating, you can double-dip the florets in the flour mixture.
  • For an extra crispy texture, especially when baking, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed into the final flour coating step.
  • If you are looking into healthy wing alternatives, this recipe fits well into a low calorie diet plan compared to deep-fried options.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/crispy-buffalo-cauliflower-air-fryer-oven-recipe/