Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Game Day Bites (Print Version)

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower delivers spicy, tender bites without the deep-fry. A favorite for quick appetizers or a veggie-packed snack. So easy!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan (dairy-free), Gluten-Free (use GF flour)

# Ingredients:

→ Cauliflower & Batter Base

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
03 - 1 cup unsweetened plain plant-based milk (almond or oat work great)

→ Flavor Builders

04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
08 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
09 - 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted

→ Optional Finishing Touches

10 - Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
11 - Celery and carrot sticks, for serving
12 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that cauliflower ready. I chop mine into bite-sized florets, trying to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, with tiny cauliflower bits flying everywhere – totally normal kitchen chaos! Give them a good rinse and then, here's a crucial step I used to overlook, pat them <em>super</em> dry. Any extra moisture means less crispiness, and we're aiming for maximum crunch here, right?
02 - Now for the magical coating! In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, slowly pour in the plant-based milk, whisking until you have a smooth, thick batter. It should be like pancake batter, but maybe a touch thicker – enough to really cling to the cauliflower. I always taste a tiny bit of the batter at this point (just the dry mix, before adding milk, obviously!) to make sure the seasonings are just right, maybe adding a pinch more paprika if I'm feeling it.
03 - This is where things get hands-on, and potentially a little messy, but so worth it! Add your dry cauliflower florets to the batter. I use a spatula or even my clean hands to toss them gently, making sure every single floret is completely coated. You want a nice, even layer. Don't rush this part; a good coating is key to that beautiful golden-brown crisp. My kitchen counter usually ends up with a few batter splatters, but hey, that's just part of the fun of cooking, right?
04 - Time for the air fryer magic! Arrange your coated cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Seriously, <em>single layer</em>. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness, and I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit, ending up with steamed rather than fried. You'll likely need to work in batches. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You're looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and a tender-crisp texture.
05 - While your cauliflower is doing its thing in the air fryer, let's get that iconic buffalo sauce ready. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Once it's completely melted, stir in your favorite hot sauce – Frank's RedHot is my absolute go-to for that classic flavor. Whisk it until it's smooth and glossy. The smell of this sauce always makes my mouth water, it's just so comforting and tangy. Keep it warm until your cauliflower is done.
06 - Once your cauliflower is perfectly crispy and out of the air fryer, immediately transfer it to a large bowl. Pour that glorious buffalo sauce all over the hot florets. Now, give it a good, gentle toss with tongs or a spatula until every piece is evenly coated in that vibrant, spicy sauce. This is the moment the magic happens! The cauliflower should be glistening and smell absolutely incredible. Serve them up right away, because that fresh crispness is what we're after!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer; seriously, that's my number one tip for true crispiness!
02 - Leftovers are great, but they lose a bit of their crispness. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring some of it back.
03 - No plant milk? Water works in a pinch for the batter, but the plant milk adds a bit more richness and helps with browning.
04 - A side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing is non-negotiable for me with these!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - small saucepan
05 - tongs

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 7g

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