Description
These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy, tangy, and crunchy plant-based appetizer or snack, perfect for game day or a flavorful side dish. Baked or air-fried to crispy perfection and coated in a zesty buffalo sauce.
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Place on prepared baking sheet or in air fryer basket.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, combine buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once cauliflower is crispy, toss in the buffalo sauce mixture to coat evenly.
- Return coated cauliflower to oven or air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish as desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use an air fryer.
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free dressing for a fully vegan option.
- Adjust the spice level by using a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
