CategoryAppetizers, Bites/Snacks, Vegetarian
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, spicy, and crispy appetizer perfect as a vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. These bite-sized cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, baked or air-fried until crispy, and tossed in a bold buffalo sauce. Served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, they make for a crowd-pleasing snack!
For the Cauliflower Bites
1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¾ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
½ cup water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, optional)
Vegetable oil spray (for baking)
For the Buffalo Sauce
½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a slight sweetness)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan version)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Celery and carrot sticks
Prepare the Batter
1
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add milk and water, whisking until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, roll the coated cauliflower in the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Bake or Air Fry
2
- Bake the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Lightly spray with vegetable oil for crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower:
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Make the Buffalo Sauce
3
Heat the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the hot sauce, honey or maple syrup (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until well combined.
Toss and Serve
4
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large bowl.
- Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve Immediately:
- Arrange on a serving platter with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Garnish with celery and carrot sticks for a classic touch.
Serving Suggestions
5
- Serve as an appetizer for game nights, parties, or a healthy snack.
- Pair with a cold beer or refreshing lemonade for contrast.
Pro Tips
6
- Extra Crispy Texture: Double-coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Mild Version: Use a mix of buffalo sauce and melted butter for a less spicy version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Bites
1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¾ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
½ cup water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, optional)
Vegetable oil spray (for baking)
For the Buffalo Sauce
½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a slight sweetness)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan version)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For Serving
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Celery and carrot sticks
Directions
Prepare the Batter
1
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add milk and water, whisking until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, roll the coated cauliflower in the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Bake or Air Fry
2
- Bake the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Lightly spray with vegetable oil for crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower:
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Make the Buffalo Sauce
3
Heat the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the hot sauce, honey or maple syrup (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until well combined.
Toss and Serve
4
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large bowl.
- Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve Immediately:
- Arrange on a serving platter with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Garnish with celery and carrot sticks for a classic touch.
Serving Suggestions
5
- Serve as an appetizer for game nights, parties, or a healthy snack.
- Pair with a cold beer or refreshing lemonade for contrast.
Pro Tips
6
- Extra Crispy Texture: Double-coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Mild Version: Use a mix of buffalo sauce and melted butter for a less spicy version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
Notes
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