Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or avocado oil for vegan)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Start by washing the cauliflower head and drying it thoroughly. This is a crucial step because excess moisture will steam the vegetables instead of crisping them. Cut the cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer basket.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch (or flour), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them vigorously until every piece is lightly and evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture. The starch helps create a dry surface for the sauce to cling to later.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the coated cauliflower in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the florets with a little more oil and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and the melted butter in a clean bowl. Once the cauliflower finishes its first round of cooking, remove the florets and place them into the bowl with the buffalo mixture. Toss gently to ensure every nook and cranny of the cauliflower is drenched in sauce.
- Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 3-5 minutes. This second cook time allows the sauce to bake onto the cauliflower, creating a tacky, delicious glaze and crisping up any spots that softened from the moisture of the sauce.
- Transfer the hot buffalo cauliflower bites to a serving platter. Serve them immediately while they are at their peak crispiness. They pair perfectly with cold ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of fresh celery and carrot sticks to help cool down the heat.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes