Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print Version)

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Your ticket to crispy, spicy, tangy perfection! Quick & easy for a delicious snack, side, or healthier appetizer.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 22 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Cauliflower & Coating

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, about 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Buffalo Sauce Essentials

09 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tsp maple syrup (optional, or honey)

→ Serving & Garnish

12 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
13 - Celery sticks, for serving
14 - Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, chop that beautiful cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly – this is where I always get a bit messy, florets flying everywhere! In a big bowl, toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is lightly coated; this forms the base for our crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower.
02 - Now, get your air fryer basket ready. You want to cook the cauliflower in a single layer, so work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side. Crowding the basket is a common mistake I've made, and it leads to steamed, not crispy, cauliflower. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You're looking for tender-crisp florets with some golden edges.
03 - While your cauliflower is doing its thing, let's make the magic happen! In a small saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the hot sauce and maple syrup (if using). Whisk it until it's smooth and glossy. Oh, the smell of that developing buffalo sauce is just heavenly! Keep it warm, don't let it boil, we just want it melty and ready for coating.
04 - Once your first batch of cauliflower is out of the air fryer and looking lovely, transfer it back to that big mixing bowl. Pour about half of your warm buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently until every piece is gloriously coated. This is where the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower truly comes alive. Don't drown them, just a nice even layer of that spicy, buttery goodness.
05 - Place the sauced cauliflower back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Again, don't overcrowd! This second round is crucial for getting that signature crispy, slightly caramelized exterior. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for another 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. Keep an eye on them; air fryers vary, and you don't want burnt edges, just beautifully browned ones. Sometimes I peek every 2 minutes, just to be sure!
06 - Once your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is perfectly crispy and hot, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining buffalo sauce if you're feeling extra saucy (I usually am!). Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, and serve immediately with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks. The contrast of hot and cool is just divine, honestly. Enjoy your spicy, guilt-free snack!

# Notes:

01 - Always cook your cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer; crowding is the enemy of crispiness, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Leftovers are best reheated in the air fryer to regain some crispiness, though they won't be quite as fresh.
03 - If you're out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder works pretty well for crispiness, but cornstarch is my top pick.
04 - Serve with both ranch and blue cheese dressing, and don't forget the crisp celery sticks for that perfect contrast.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - Large mixing bowl
03 - Small saucepan
04 - Whisk
05 - Tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 5g

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