Crispy Spicy Tangy Cauliflower (Printable)

Crispy, spicy, and tangy cauliflower bites with bold buffalo flavor for a tasty snack or appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Cauliflower

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)

→ Buffalo Sauce

08 - ½ cup buffalo hot sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

→ For Serving

11 - Celery sticks
12 - Carrot sticks
13 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
03 - Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating, then shake off excess.
04 - Place coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
05 - While cauliflower cooks, mix buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup in a large bowl.
06 - Transfer cooked cauliflower immediately to the buffalo sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated.
07 - Serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They satisfy those buffalo wing cravings without the meat, and honestly, nobody misses it
  • The air fryer makes them incredibly crispy without standing over a hot stove
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer or the cauliflower will steam instead of crisp, work in batches if needed
  • Toss the cauliflower in sauce immediately while it is hot so the coating stays crispy
03 -
  • Pat the cauliflower dry before battering so the coating sticks better
  • Let the battered cauliflower sit for a minute before air frying for the crunchiest result
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