Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy roasted cauliflower florets tossed in tangy buffalo butter for a game-day side that vanishes in minutes.
- Cook temp
- 390°F
- 199°C · preheat
- Total time
- 22 min
- 8 prep · 14 cook · 1 rest
- Flip at
- 7 min
- of 14 min cook
- Rest
- 1 min
- Before slicing
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings · Cooking with Coit
Demonstrates cutting cauliflower into uniform florets, coating in light batter, air frying until crisp, and tossing in buffalo sauce.
- Target //Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 14 mins (flip at 7 mins).
- Doneness //Cook until visual doneness cue is met. Rest 1 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Always roast the cauliflower dry first and sauce it in a bowl after. Adding liquid sauce before cooking steams the vegetable into mush.
- Family Tweak //Reserve half the plain roasted cauliflower florets before tossing in buffalo sauce; serve with ranch dip or mild barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 headFresh Cauliflower Head, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 tbspOlive Oil
- 1 tspGarlic Powder
- 1/2 tspSmoked Paprika
- 1/2 tspKosher Salt
- 1/3 cupFrank's RedHot Sauce
- 2 tbspUnsalted Butter, melted
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Get to the point
- 1
Cut 1 medium head cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Toss with 1 tbsp oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- 2
Air fry at 390°F for 14 minutes, shaking basket midway until charred at edges.
- 3
Whisk 1/3 cup Frank's RedHot with 2 tbsp melted butter.
- 4
Toss hot cauliflower in sauce bowl and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offFloret Breakdown & Light Oil Coat
Cut 1 head cauliflower into bite-sized 1.5-inch florets. Dry thoroughly. In a large bowl, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
WhyCut florets to equal sizes so smaller tips don't burn before stems soften.
Dry Air Convection Roast
14 min · flip at 7Transfer florets to air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F for 14 minutes. Shake basket vigorously at 7 minutes.
WhyDo not sauce the cauliflower before air frying — roasting it dry ensures maximum crispy char.
Buffalo Emulsion Whisk
While florets roast, whisk 1/3 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (such as Frank's) with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter in a wide bowl.
WhyMelted butter tempers the vinegar sharpness of hot sauce and helps it cling to the florets.
Post-Roast Sauce Toss
Dump the smoking hot roasted cauliflower directly into the buffalo sauce bowl. Toss rapidly with silicone tongs until completely coated. Plate immediately.
WhyServe immediately out of the toss so the crispy roasted edges stay crunchy.
- Dad pro tip
- Always roast the cauliflower dry first and sauce it in a bowl after. Adding liquid sauce before cooking steams the vegetable into mush.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Reserve half the plain roasted cauliflower florets before tossing in buffalo sauce; serve with ranch dip or mild barbecue sauce.
- Serve with
- Celery & carrot sticks · Ranch or blue cheese dressing · Grilled burger sliders
- Reheating
- Re-crisp in air fryer at 380°F for 3 minutes.
- Calories
- 115
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 9 g
- Fat
- 8 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #169986. Cook-time basis: Instant Vortex Plus 390°F vegetable roasting curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites without ruining the texture?
Re-crisp in air fryer at 380°F for 3 minutes.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Reserve half the plain roasted cauliflower florets before tossing in buffalo sauce; serve with ranch dip or mild barbecue sauce.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Celery & carrot sticks, Ranch or blue cheese dressing, Grilled burger sliders.