Description

These Crispy Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites deliver all the bold, spicy flavor of traditional buffalo wings with a fraction of the calories! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that signature tangy buffalo sauce—they’re an irresistible plant-based appetizer that even dedicated meat-lovers can’t resist. Perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or when you’re craving something zesty and satisfying without the guilt!

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 Tbsp vinegar)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cooking spray or a light brush of oil

Optional for serving: ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your air-fryer to 400°F. While it’s heating up, line a sheet tray with parchment or lightly spray with oil.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. It should coat the back of a spoon—thin pancake-batter consistency.
Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess batter and arrange the florets in a single layer on the prepared tray.
Working in batches if needed, place the battered florets in the air-fryer basket (don’t overcrowd!). Air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip each piece, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air-fry for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a clean bowl. When your cauliflower is done crisping, transfer the bites into that spicy bath and toss gently to coat every nook and cranny.
Return the sauced bites to the air-fryer for 2–3 more minutes at 400°F—this gives the sauce a chance to caramelize just a smidge and stick like a dream.

Pile those fiery florets on a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot alongside ranch or blue cheese for dunking.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, ensure your cauliflower florets are completely dry before battering.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket—cook in batches for the crispiest results.
If you prefer less heat, try a mild buffalo sauce or cut it with a bit more butter.
These bites are best enjoyed immediately, but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F if needed.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.

To make vegan, use plant-based milk with vinegar instead of buttermilk, and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, buffalo cauliflower bites, spicy cauliflower, healthy buffalo wings alternative, crispy cauliflower, game day snack, plant-based appetizer