Name: Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup water or milk (dairy or plant-based); 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce; 2 tbsp butter or vegan butter; Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving; Optional: celery and carrot sticks, for garnish

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Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a bold and flavorful alternative to traditional chicken wings, offering all the heat and tanginess of buffalo sauce with a vegetarian twist. These crispy, oven-roasted cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy sauce and served with cooling dips or fresh vegetables, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or a satisfying meatless snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish captures everything you love about buffalo wings—crispiness, spice, and rich flavor—without the meat. Cauliflower makes the perfect base as it absorbs flavors well and turns irresistibly crispy in the oven or air fryer. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on meat without compromising on taste. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these bites are always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
All-purpose flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Water or milk (for the batter)
Buffalo hot sauce
Butter or vegan butter
Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Optional: celery and carrot sticks for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water (or milk) to form a smooth batter.
Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Place the coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Bake or air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden and crisp.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the buffalo sauce until combined.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss the hot florets in the buffalo sauce until thoroughly coated.
Return the coated cauliflower to the oven or air fryer for an additional 10 minutes to crisp and caramelize the sauce.
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks on the side.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Add breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, roll the battered florets in panko before baking.
Milder option: Mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey or yogurt to reduce the heat.
Spicier version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter for more kick.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it softens the coating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower is recommended for best texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry thoroughly.

Is buffalo cauliflower vegan?

Yes, if you use plant-based milk and vegan butter, the dish is completely vegan.

Can I make it ahead of time?

The batter can be made in advance, and the cauliflower can be prepped a few hours ahead, but it’s best served fresh after cooking.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or extra hot sauce.

What dips go best with buffalo cauliflower?

Ranch, blue cheese, garlic aioli, or even plain yogurt-based dips complement the spice well.

Can I deep fry the cauliflower?

Yes, deep frying will make the bites even crispier, but it adds more oil content.

How do I keep the coating from becoming soggy?

Serve immediately and avoid covering while still hot. Reheating in the oven helps restore crispiness.

Can I skip the batter?

You can roast plain cauliflower and toss it in buffalo sauce, but the batter adds necessary texture and crunch.

What’s the best way to toss the cauliflower in sauce?

Use a large bowl and toss gently with a spatula or spoon to coat evenly without breaking the florets.

Can kids eat buffalo cauliflower?

Yes, but consider using a mild or less spicy buffalo sauce for younger palates.

Conclusion

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a zesty, satisfying alternative to classic wings that don’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re vegetarian or simply experimenting with plant-based meals, this dish is a flavorful addition to your table. Easy to prepare, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, it’s a must-have for your appetizer or snack repertoire.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, flavorful, and vegetarian-friendly twist on classic buffalo wings. Oven-roasted or air-fried cauliflower florets are tossed in tangy buffalo sauce for a bold, satisfying snack or appetizer.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking or Air-Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or set air fryer to appropriate temperature.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water or milk until smooth.
Dip cauliflower florets into batter, coating evenly.
Place coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Bake or air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in buffalo sauce until combined.
Toss baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
Return coated florets to oven or air fryer for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize and crisp.
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks.