Description
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a spicy, crunchy, and satisfying vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings — baked or air-fried to perfection and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce for the ultimate game-day or snack treat.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated florets on the baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Remove cauliflower from the oven and toss gently in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Return to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust spice level by using mild or extra hot buffalo sauce.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American