Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Looking to indulge in a delicious appetizer that's both healthier and packed with flavor? These easy-to-make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a vegetarian twist on a classic. Perfect for air frying, they offer a crispy texture and a spicy kick, suitable for any gathering or simply snacking at home.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they're fully coated.
- Place the coated florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will help them to crisp up perfectly.
- Air fry the cauliflower for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- While the cauliflower is air frying, prepare the Buffalo sauce by combining the hot sauce and melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until well combined.
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer the florets to a large bowl and drizzle with the Buffalo sauce. Toss until all the florets are well coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Tips and Variations
- Add some spice: For a hotter version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Use gluten-free ingredients: If you're gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Different sauces: Experiment with different types of hot sauce for a variety of flavors, or use a BBQ sauce for a milder alternative.
- Make them sticky: Mix a tablespoon of honey into the sauce for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Bake instead of air frying: If you don't own an air fryer, you can bake the coated cauliflower in an oven preheated to 220°C (428°F) for about 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden.
Nutritional Information
These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings, offering fewer calories and more fiber, thanks to the cauliflower. They are an excellent option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on taste.
Conclusion
These delightful Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a tasty snack on your menu. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for air frying, they are a culinary delight for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Enjoy them with your favorite dip and watch them disappear!