Go Back
To make delicious Air Fryer Spicy Cauliflower Bites, gather these items: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option) - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray You can change some ingredients based on your needs. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour if you want a gluten-free option. Instead of buttermilk, you can use regular milk or a plant-based milk for a vegan version. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also use different spices, like cumin or chili powder, to switch up the flavor. To make this recipe, you will need a few handy tools: - A sharp knife for cutting the cauliflower - A mixing bowl for the batter - A separate bowl for the breadcrumbs - An air fryer for cooking the bites - A whisk for mixing the batter - A spray bottle for cooking spray - A spatula for flipping the bites, if needed These tools make the process smooth and fun. Enjoy making your spicy cauliflower bites! Start by rinsing the cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a clean towel. This step helps the batter stick well. In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can add a pinch of salt or extra spices for flavor. This makes your breading even more tasty. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Let any extra batter drip off. Coat the floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make it stick. Repeat this for all the florets. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking for a perfect outcome. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer. If needed, cook in batches. Spray the tops with more cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry the cauliflower bites for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. The bites should be golden brown and crispy when they are done. Remove the cauliflower bites and let them cool for a bit. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch or spicy mayo works great! To get your cauliflower bites nice and crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great crunch. Make sure to coat every floret well with batter and breadcrumbs. Spray a little cooking spray on top before frying. This helps them become golden and crispy. You can change the heat in your bites easily. Use less hot sauce if you want them milder. For more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper. Tasting the batter before coating the cauliflower helps you find the right level for you. To make this recipe vegan, swap buttermilk for plant-based milk. Any non-dairy milk works well. The batter will still coat the cauliflower nicely. Enjoy the same great flavor while keeping it plant-based! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your spicy cauliflower bites easily. Try adding different spices to your batter. For a tangy twist, use lemon zest or lime juice. A bit of curry powder gives a warm flavor. If you want a sweet kick, mix in some honey or maple syrup. You can also swap out the hot sauce for a different sauce, like sriracha or chipotle. If you want a different texture, try using nuts instead of breadcrumbs. Ground almonds or cashews add a nice crunch. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the recipe friendly for all diets. Serving your cauliflower bites can be fun! Place them on a large platter with small bowls of dips. Good choices are ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a yogurt dip. You can also serve them with fresh veggies for a colorful plate. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped herbs on top before serving. This makes your dish pop with color and flavor! After you enjoy your spicy cauliflower bites, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. To reheat, use your air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower bites in the basket. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for around 10 minutes. You can freeze these bites for later! After they cool, arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and drain it first. Pat it dry to remove any extra moisture. This helps the batter stick better. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still taste great. To reduce the spice, cut back on the hot sauce. You can also skip the cayenne pepper. Adding more breadcrumbs can help tone down the heat too. For a milder flavor, try a sweeter sauce like barbecue. I love serving these bites with ranch dressing. It cools the spice. You can also try garlic aioli, blue cheese, or a yogurt sauce for a tangy twist. A spicy mayo adds a nice kick if you want more heat. Yes, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will still be crispy and delicious! This blog post covered how to make tasty cauliflower bites. We explored ingredients, step-by-step prep, and useful tools. I shared tips for extra crispiness and spice adjustments. Different flavor options and serving ideas allow you to get creative. Also, I explained how to store leftovers for later. In the end, these bites make a fun snack or meal. You can enjoy them your way, whether spicy or mild. Get cooking and have fun!

Air Fryer Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Discover the ultimate crispy air fryer spicy cauliflower bites that will elevate your snack game! With a perfect blend of spices and a crunchy outside, these flavorful bites are easy to make and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for parties or a tasty treat, this recipe is vegan-friendly too! Click through for the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this deliciously spicy creation!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well for extra crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Cauliflower: Start by rinsing the cauliflower florets and patting them dry with a clean towel. This helps the batter stick better.

    Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth batter.

      Prepare the Breading: Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. You can mix in a pinch of salt and extra spices if desired for added flavor.

        Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat until all florets are coated.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

            Air Fry the Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded cauliflower bites in a single layer in the basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Spray the tops with more cooking spray for extra crispiness.

              Cook: Air fry the cauliflower bites for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

                Serve: Remove the cauliflower bites and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy mayo.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the spicy cauliflower bites on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center for an inviting presentation.