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Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy Air Fryer Recipe

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These crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites offer the crunch and spice of traditional wings without the deep frying. Perfect for game day or a healthy weeknight snack, this recipe uses a simple flour coating and high heat to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the egg and water until smooth.
  5. Dip each dried cauliflower floret into the wet batter, let excess drip off, then roll in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to coat.
  6. Arrange the coated florets on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil or olive oil.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. While baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the hot sauce and honey.
  10. Remove cauliflower from the oven and place in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and toss gently with tongs to coat evenly.
  11. Serve immediately, or return to the oven for 2-3 minutes to set the sauce.

Notes

Ensure cauliflower is completely dry before coating to prevent sogginess. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation. For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup and vegan butter. Store leftovers separately from sauce to maintain crispiness; reheat in oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, healthy wings, vegan appetizer, gluten-free option, game day food, crispy baked cauliflower

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-baked-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-air-fryer-recipe/