Appetizers & Snackscarlsbadcravings5.0
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthier alternative to fried chicken wings that are 1000% crave worthy - just try and stop at 5! Most recipes don’t ever get crispy, but this recipe is coated in panko (gluten free available) so it’s crispy on the edges, tender in the middle and spicy, tangy and subtly sweet all over. This Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a prep ahead party crowd pleaser or try them in tacos, wraps, bowls and salad!
👥 6 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 1h⏳ Prep: 30 min🔥 Cook: 30 min👤 Jen📖 carlsbadcravings
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- baking sheet
- oven
- bowl
- whisk
- saucepan
- pan
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Prep
2
Prep: Preheat oven to 425° F for baking or 225° F for air frying (to keep cauliflower warm as you air fry in batches). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup) and top with a wire baking rack.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
3
Batter: Whisk the eggs and hot sauce together in a large bowl (large enough to hold cauliflower). Whisk in the flour until smooth.
eggs3cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
4
Panko breading: Whisk the panko and spices together in a separate large bowl.
5
Batter Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower to the Batter and gently stir until evenly coated on all sides.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
6
Bread Cauliflower: Working in batches, dredge the cauliflower in the Panko Breading, pressing firmly with clean fingers to adhere. Transfer cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet in an even layer without touching. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
7
Cook
8
Bake OR Air fry: Bake for ⏱️ 20 minutes at 425 degrees F or working in batches, air fry for ⏱️ 10 minutes at 375 degrees F. Meanwhile, prepare Buffalo Sauce:
9
Buffalo Sauce: Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan. Melt butter over medium heat, then bring to a gentle simmer for ⏱️ 2 minutes; set aside.
butter3 tablespoons
10
Coat Cauliflower: You can either brush the cauliflower lightly with buffalo sauce which results in crispier bites because they don't get as saturated but it takes longer OR stir the cauliflower with the sauce in a large bowl. To coat in a bowl: transfer 2/3 of the buffalo sauce to a large bowl. Add the cauliflower and gently stir to evenly coat. Add as much of the remaining sauce as needed to coat but try not to oversaturate for crispier bites.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
11
Cook Again
12
Air Fry Again: Air fry at 375° F for an additional ⏱️ 5 minutes or until crispy. Repeat until cauliflower is gone. You can keep cooked Buffalo Cauliflower warm in the oven at 225° F until all of the cauliflower is done.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
13
Bake Again: Return cauliflower to the pan in an even layer without touching. Bake for an additional ⏱️ 10-15 minutes at 425° F or until dry to the touch and tender-crisp. Turn oven to broil (550 degrees F) and broil on high for ⏱️ 2-3 minute or until crisped to your liking, watching closely so they don’t burn.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
14
TO SERVE
15
Devour immediately. The Buffalo Cauliflower is best served within a few minutes of cooking while warm and the edges are still crisp.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
16
Don’t stack Cauliflower Buffalo Bites. Resist the urge to stack the bites when they come out of the oven or they will steam and you’ll lose all crispiness. It is best to serve them lined in a single layer with a little breathing room in between each morsel.
cauliflower (1 large head, or 2 small heads), (cut into 2-3 inch pieces, dried well)2 pounds
17
Serve with a refreshing dip such as ranch, avocado ranch, blue cheese dressing or even Caesar dressing.
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