Name: Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2/3 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegan butter); Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving; Optional: chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Why You’ll Love Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

You get all the flavor and heat of classic buffalo wings, but with cauliflower instead of chicken — making it a lighter, meat-free option. The panko coating gives the bites a satisfying crunch, while the buffalo sauce adds bold, spicy flavor. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, ideal for game-day snacks, casual get-togethers, or a fun weeknight treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 cup panko
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ to ¾ cup buffalo sauce (or to taste)
Optional: blue cheese dressing (or ranch), for dipping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with an oven‑safe cooling rack (or parchment paper if you don’t have a rack). Lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
Cut the cauliflower into bite‑sized florets, trimming the stems so the pieces are “nugget” shaped and relatively uniform in size.
Toss the cauliflower florets with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each cornstarch‑coated floret into the egg mixture (letting excess drip off), then toss in the panko mixture until thoroughly coated.
Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for about 18–23 minutes, until the cauliflower is fork‑tender and the panko is golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, transfer the cauliflower bites to a large bowl and either toss with buffalo sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If you toss them, coat gently to maintain crispiness.
Serve immediately — they’re delicious with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks alongside for contrast.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 servings
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, skip coating the cauliflower in sauce before storing. Keep the baked (but unsauced) cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat and regain crispiness, use an air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible — it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower bites?

The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you use and how generously you coat the bites. You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder sauce or by tossing lightly rather than fully coating.

Can I make these bites vegan or dairy‑free?

Yes — use a vegan egg substitute or a batter made from flour and non‑dairy milk instead of egg, and pick a dairy‑free buffalo sauce. The texture may vary slightly, but you can still achieve tasty results.

Is it possible to bake them without panko (e.g. gluten‑free)?

Yes. You can substitute panko with gluten‑free breadcrumbs or another crunchy coating like crushed cornflakes, though the texture will be a bit different.

Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Yes — air frying works well. Just arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer (or in batches) and air fry until crispy. This can even reduce cooking time and help retain crunch.

How to keep the bites crispy after tossing in buffalo sauce?

Because panko absorbs moisture, tossing the bites too vigorously may soften them. A good approach is to serve the buffalo sauce on the side for dipping instead of coating them all upfront.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

You can bake them ahead and store unsauced bites in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp up, then toss or dip in sauce. Avoid saucing them too early if you want to maintain crunch.

What should I serve them with?

They go great with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and dips such as blue cheese or ranch dressing. They also pair nicely with other appetizers or snacks if you’re creating a spread.

Can I increase the recipe size for more servings?

Yes — simply double or triple the ingredients and coat/bake the cauliflower in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Are these bites a good substitute for buffalo wings in a meal?

Absolutely — they deliver much of the same flavor and texture vibe as buffalo wings, but are lighter and vegetarian, making them a great plant‑based alternative.

What happens if the panko doesn’t stick well to the cauliflower?

Make sure excess egg drips off before you coat each floret with panko, and press gently so the coating adheres. Uniform floret size helps too. If the coating still struggles to stick, you can try a second egg wash or a slightly thicker batter.

Conclusion

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites offer a flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying alternative to traditional buffalo wings — perfect for vegetarians, casual dinners, parties, or snacks. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and flexible options for baking or air frying (and customizing the sauce), this recipe proves that meatless doesn’t mean flavorless. Serve them hot with your favorite dip and veggie sticks, and enjoy a crowd‑pleasing snack that’s both fun and delicious.

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites