These buffalo cauliflower bites are a delicious and spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for game day snacks or a flavorful side dish.
Coated in a warm buffalo sauce and baked to crispy perfection, they are sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
This buffalo cauliflower recipe features cauliflower florets tossed in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper sauce, then coated with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Serve them with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for a complete experience.
Prefer the air fryer over the oven? I got you covered! Just check out the air fryer version below the main recipe.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: A Game Day Favorite
Buffalo cauliflower bites offer a spicy twist on traditional buffalo wings, making them an ideal choice for game day snacks. These crispy cauliflower bites are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that packs a punch, ensuring they satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
To create these delicious bites, start with a head of cauliflower, cutting it into large florets.
The coating consists of chickpea flour, brown rice flour, and a blend of garlic powder and onion powder, which adds depth to the flavor. A little bit of cayenne pepper sauce can be adjusted to taste for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Preparation Made Easy
The preparation process is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone, even if it’s your first time in the kitchen.
Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and helps achieve the crispy edges that everyone loves.
In a large bowl, combine the flours with a small amount of water to create a batter. Dip each cauliflower piece into this mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Next, dredge the coated cauliflower in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, which adds that delightful crunch.
Baking to Perfection
Once the cauliflower is coated, place the pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. A light spray of cooking spray will help them crisp up nicely. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
As the cauliflower bakes, prepare the spicy buffalo sauce.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine melted vegan butter with warm buffalo sauce, stirring until well mixed. This sauce will be the final touch that elevates your buffalo cauliflower wings.
Tossing and Serving
After baking, remove the cauliflower bites from the oven and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until they are evenly coated. This step is essential for ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot, accompanied by fresh celery sticks and a small bowl of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also provides a refreshing crunch that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, making them a great option for dinner tonight or a quick snack the next day.
With their crispy texture and bold flavors, these buffalo cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re watching the big game or enjoying a casual dinner, they are a delightful addition to your menu.
Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
These crispy cauliflower bites are made by coating cauliflower pieces in a spicy hot sauce mixture and baking them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves as a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Next time you’re looking for a tasty snack, give these buffalo cauliflower wings a try!
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour or regular flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup warm buffalo sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or regular butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Celery sticks for serving
- Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping – Click HERE for my vegan ranch dressing recipe or HERE for my blue cheese dressing recipe.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, brown rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little bit of water to create a batter. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt. Dredge the coated cauliflower in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly spray the cauliflower bites with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter and warm buffalo sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Toss in Sauce: Once the cauliflower bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot with celery sticks and your choice of dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are made by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned batter, air frying until golden, and tossing in warm buffalo sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, they make the perfect healthier appetizer or game-day snack.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour or regular flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup warm buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or regular butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Celery sticks for serving
- Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to heat while you prep the cauliflower.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, brown rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Add a small amount of water—just enough to form a thick, pancake-like batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off excess.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. Roll each coated floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bites are crisp and golden.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and warm buffalo sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot cauliflower bites to a large bowl and toss in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re in the mood for a tasty snack, consider making these buffalo cauliflower bites. They are not only easy to prepare but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken wings. With the right ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
This recipe is part of my 79 Super Bowl Party Food Ideas and Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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