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White fluted serving plate piled with crispy buffalo cauliflower bites garnished with chopped chives, served with a small white ramekin of creamy ranch dip, a lemon wedge, celery sticks on a plate in the background, and a small bowl of buffalo sauce on a light tabletop.
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe (Breaded)

These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, breaded, and tossed in a buttery homemade buffalo sauce for the perfect game day snack. Inspired by classic cauliflower buffalo wings, they’re easy to make in the air fryer and delicious served with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (as an appetizer)
Calories: 270kcal
Chef: Jessica Randhawa

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

For the Buffalo Sauce

  • ½ cup Frank's RedHot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon honey - plus more to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives - for garnish
  • For serving - ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Preheat to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
  • Make the buttermilk mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons Frank's RedHot sauce until smooth. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until coated.
  • Mix the breading: In a second bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¾ teaspoon salt.
  • Bread the cauliflower: Lift the cauliflower out of the wet mixture, letting excess drip off. Transfer to the breading mixture, pressing gently so it sticks. Shake off extra coating.
  • Air fry (first round): Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, warm ½ cup Frank's RedHot sauce, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon of honey in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and glossy.
  • Sauce + crisp: Brush the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce, then return to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, until crisp and deeply golden.
  • Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with chives, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese.

Notes

  • Double the buffalo sauce if you like lots of sauce for tossing, brushing, and dipping.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko.
  • Dairy-free option: Swap butter for plant-based butter and use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (plant milk + lemon juice).
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-6 minutes until hot and crisp again. (Microwaving works, but the coating will soften.)

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1615mg | Potassium: 790mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 474IU | Vitamin C: 129mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 3mg
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