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Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites - featured image
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A healthy, weeknight-friendly appetizer featuring cauliflower florets coated in a cornstarch and spice blend, baked until crispy, and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. This recipe offers the crunch of fried wings with the nutrition of vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter/coconut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets and place them in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the dry mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Drizzle oil over the coated florets and toss again until the coating looks slightly clumpy and damp.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the florets in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and flip each floret.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown.
  9. While cauliflower bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in buffalo sauce and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
  10. Remove cauliflower from the oven and immediately transfer to a clean bowl. Pour the sauce over the hot cauliflower and toss quickly to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; steam causes sogginess. Always toss the cauliflower in the sauce after baking to maintain crispiness. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the coating or sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, healthy appetizer, vegan wings, gluten-free snack, crispy cauliflower, game day food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/crispy-baked-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-15-min-healthy-air-fryer-recipe/