Description

Cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter, air-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. This spicy, plant-based snack is easy to make, mess-free, and perfect for parties, game nights, or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite‑sized florets

½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten‑free flour if needed)

½ cup water or milk (use dairy or non‑dairy alternative)

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

⅓ cup buffalo sauce (choose your desired heat level)

1 tbsp butter or plant-based alternative, melted

1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional, to balance heat)

Cooking spray or oil, for air frying

Optional garnishes & dipping: ranch or blue cheese, chopped parsley or green onion, and celery sticks

Instructions

Cut cauliflower into uniform florets and pat dry.

Whisk flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Toss cauliflower in batter to coat evenly.

Air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.

Meanwhile, melt butter and stir into buffalo sauce, adding maple syrup if using.

Toss cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce until fully coated. Serve hot with desired dips and garnishes.

Notes

Dry cauliflower thoroughly before coating to keep florets crispy.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even browning.
For extra crunch, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter.
Coat each floret thoroughly but let excess batter drip off before cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer, Plant-Based
Method: Batter-Covered + Air Fryer
Cuisine: American, Vegan-Friendly

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
Calories: 140
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer snack, plant-based appetizer, crispy cauliflower bites