Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Tangy Blue Cheese Dip

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 medium head fresh cauliflower, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized florets (approx. 5 cups)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup water (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Original cayenne pepper sauce
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
• 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
• Cool blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks for serving

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets with a clean kitchen towel (dry cauliflower ensures the batter clings tightly).
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and water until a smooth pancake-batter consistency forms.
3. 3
   Add the cauliflower florets into the batter and fold gently with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the coated florets and toss lightly.
4. 4
   Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with olive oil spray.
5. 5
   Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece (work in two batches if necessary). Generously mist the tops with cooking spray.
6. 6
   Air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously at the 6-minute mark, until golden-brown and crispy.
7. 7
   While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together the melted butter, Frank's RedHot sauce, and honey in a large bowl.
8. 8
   Transfer the crispy florets into the buffalo sauce bowl and gently toss until completely coated. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes at 400°F (205°C) to caramelize the sauce onto the crust.
9. 9
   Serve piping hot with chilled blue cheese dressing and celery sticks!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)