Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

4.20 (10)
🏷 Cauliflower

These spicy cauliflower bites are coated in a double layer of seasoned breadcrumbs for maximum crunch. They are air fried until perfectly crisp before being tossed in a classic buffalo sauce. Serve them hot with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip for a delicious snack or appetiser that mimics the flavour of wings.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into even 3/4-inch-florets (4 cups)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs seasoned with Parmesan
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs seasoned with Pecorino Romano
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • Nonstick cooking spray, for the cauliflower florets
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce
  • Diced chives, for serving
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
  • Special equipment:
  • 5.5L air fryer

Method

  1. Place the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Set up three shallow bowls nearby: one with the Parmesan breadcrumbs, one with the panko breadcrumbs, and one with the eggs and milk whisked together.
  2. Take a few florets at a time. Coat them fully in the egg mixture, let the excess drip off, then roll them in the Parmesan breadcrumbs. Dip them back into the egg mixture, shake off the excess, and finally coat them in the panko breadcrumbs. Return the breaded florets to the baking sheet and repeat with the rest.
  3. Heat your air fryer to 190 degrees C. Turn your oven on to 120 degrees C.
  4. Generously spray each breaded floret all over with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage. Place a single layer of florets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry for about 12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp. Transfer the cooked bites to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven while you air fry the remaining batch.
  5. While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl for about 1 minute. Whisk the hot sauce into the melted butter. Add all the warm cauliflower bites to the bowl and toss gently until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
  6. For the best texture, serve the bites straight away, sprinkled with diced chives and with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. They will soften slightly if left to sit, but remain flavourful.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition data not available.

Recipe details

CategoryCauliflower
AuthorFood Network UK