Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 500g/18oz cauliflower florets (no core); 100g/ 3/4 cup flour; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp coriander; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 190ml/ 3/4 cup milk; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp oil; 60ml/ 1/4 cup Frank's buffalo wings sauce or any other hot sauce

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Buffalo cauliflower bites made easy with the help of your air fryer! Tender yet crispy on the outside with the spicy tang of buffalo hot sauce, these are perfect for serving when watching the game or for a weekday meal!

Although the can be under appreciated as a vegetable, it’s easy to get creative with cauliflower bites. For a different take, try Garlic Butter Sautéed Cauliflower with Breadcrumbs.

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These air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites have become my go-to choice for when I have guests coming over for board games or to watch a bit of sport. No matter what their diet is, everyone can get behind these tasty morsels.

It did take some convincing for me to give them a try though. Although I liked the idea of cauliflower bites and am always in favour of buffalo sauce, I was sure they would be a finicky dish to make.

It takes courage to admit you are wrong, and I am nothing if not brave. The coating and glaze are made in almost no time at all, and very little effort.

Brush the cauliflower florets with the coating, and later with the glaze, and that’s it. For results this good? Definitely worth it.

Air fryer or oven

As This is an affiliate link.air fryers become more popular, the range of styles has grown to match. I used a basket air fryer for this recipe.

An air fryer is perfect for a dish like this because of how fast it warms up, quickly it cooks and how effectively it can add crispiness. It also adds this crispiness without drying out the food being cooked.

That said, buffalo cauliflower can easily be cooked in an oven. You will need to up the temperature to 450F/220C and cook for about 20 minutes. Then put them back for 15 minutes longer after adding the glaze. Use the broiler for 2-3 minutes if they aren’t as crisp you would like.

Brush adding buffalo topping to cauliflower

Recipe tips and notes

Take the time to coat all the cauliflower florets in the glaze. This will mean turning them to make sure that the underside is covered as well, and covering any bare spaces with the help of a brush.
Although it is impossible to cut the florets into exactly the same size, getting them close will mean that they cook evenly and at the same pace.
If you don’t have an air fryer to use, an oven will do just fine. Heat up the oven to 450F/220C and cook for about 20 minutes. Then add the glaze and put them back for 15 minutes longer. Use the broiler/grill for 2-3 minutes if they aren’t as crisp you would like.
To make these cauliflower bites completely plant-based, replace milk with oat milk.

Serving suggestions

I’ve served cauliflower bites a few different ways, including using them in tacos. I also find them a great addition to an appetizer spread.

The buffalo flavouring is gentle enough that they aren’t overwhelming to eat on their own, but still have plenty enough to make them an incredibly enjoyable mouthful. Because the buffalo sauce carries a bit of heat, they are best with something creamy.

My go-to pairing is a coleslaw like this version of the classic recipe. A dill potato salad is another way to match the cauliflower with something creamy with a gentler taste.

plate of buffalo cauliflower bites on a plate

Storage and leftovers

Leftovers can be kept for up to 5 days in the fridge. An air fryer will be the best way to heat them back up. It should take no longer than 5 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

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