Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy roasted cauliflower florets tossed in tangy buffalo butter for a game-day side that vanishes in minutes.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 14 mins @ 390°F (199°C) (Flip at 7m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Cut 1 medium head cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Toss with 1 tbsp oil, garlic powder, and salt.
Air fry at 390°F for 14 minutes, shaking basket midway until charred at edges.
Whisk 1/3 cup Frank's RedHot with 2 tbsp melted butter.
Toss hot cauliflower in sauce bowl and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
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.
Cut florets to equal sizes so smaller tips don't burn before stems soften.
Transfer florets to air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F for 14 minutes. Shake basket vigorously at 7 minutes.
Do not sauce the cauliflower before air frying — roasting it dry ensures maximum crispy char.
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.
Melted butter tempers the vinegar sharpness of hot sauce and helps it cling to the florets.
Dump the smoking hot roasted cauliflower directly into the buffalo sauce bowl. Toss rapidly with silicone tongs until completely coated. Plate immediately.
Serve immediately out of the toss so the crispy roasted edges stay crunchy.
Always roast the cauliflower dry first and sauce it in a bowl after. Adding liquid sauce before cooking steams the vegetable into mush.
Reserve half the plain roasted cauliflower florets before tossing in buffalo sauce; serve with ranch dip or mild barbecue sauce.
- Celery & carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Grilled burger sliders
Re-crisp in air fryer at 380°F for 3 minutes.