Easy Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy, crowd-pleasing snack made with tender cauliflower florets and a crunchy, golden panko coating. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a flavorful buffalo sauce—Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, oil-free, nut-free, made only with simple plant-based ingredients, and perfect for anyone craving buffalo flavor without the meat.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets and steamed until tender (or use frozen cauliflower, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour or regular all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups water or unsweetened soy milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or regular panko
- ⅔ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or soy milk), cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, nutritional yeast, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until evenly coated.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Working one piece at a time, coat the battered cauliflower in the panko until fully covered.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!