Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe: Crispy, Spicy Vegetarian Buffalo Wings with a Kick cauliflower bites
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe is perfect. These buffalo cauliflower bites are a vegetarian alternative to classic buffalo wings, offering the same spicy, crispy goodness crafted effortlessly using your Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1. This air fryer cauliflower recipe combines bold flavors with a crispy texture, making it ideal for parties, game days, or a quick snack. Discover how to make vegetarian buffalo wings at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
2. Ingredient List for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk or regular milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
- Additional: cooking spray or olive oil spray
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Preparation of Cauliflower Florets
Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. This will be your coating for the cauliflower. In a separate shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Cauliflower Bites
Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The bites should be golden and crispy.
Apply Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, warm the buffalo sauce if needed. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower bites to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with your favorite dips such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for added flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use your air fryer or oven for best crispiness. These vegetarian buffalo wings can be enjoyed later without losing their signature crunch.
5. Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe pairs well with a side of celery sticks and a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing. For an extra flavor boost, try serving with various appetizer recipes or pairing it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Also, explore other delicious ideas on the site, such as smothered chicken and rice for hearty dinner options.
6. FAQ About Buffalo Cauliflower
Q: What is buffalo cauliflower?
A: Buffalo cauliflower is a vegetarian snack where cauliflower florets are coated in spicy buffalo sauce, baked or air-fried until crispy. It’s a healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering a similar spicy flavor with fewer calories.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan, which is typically made without butter or honey.
Q: How do I achieve extra crispy cauliflower bites?
A: For crispy results, ensure you coat the florets evenly, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, and spray lightly with oil before air frying. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs can also enhance crunchiness.
Q: Can I bake this in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Related Recipes to Explore
Looking for more vegetarian appetizers? Check out our appetizer collection or try making cruffins for a sweet treat.
8. Final Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on your spice preference.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the cauliflower with batter and breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different dips and garnishes to customize your dish.
9. Conclusion
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe offers a quick, healthy, and irresistibly crispy way to enjoy vegetarian buffalo wings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can prepare a batch of flavorful, spicy cauliflower bites perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to reduce meat in your diet, these buffalo cauliflower bites are sure to become a favorite. For more tasty recipes, visit our dinner ideas section and elevate your home cooking with delightful plant-based options.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this crispy, spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe—vegetarian buffalo wings with a kick. Perfect for snacks, parties, or game day, these cauliflower bites are coated in flavorful buffalo sauce and cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer, making them a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional wings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk or regular milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
- Additional: cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower and cut into bite-sized florets, ensuring even size for consistent cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth to create the batter.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Spray lightly with oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness, until golden brown.
- While cooking, warm the buffalo sauce if needed. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot with dips like ranch or blue cheese, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
- Double coating with batter and breadcrumbs can enhance crunchiness.
- For extra crispiness, spray lightly with oil before air frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
