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Air Fryer Buffalo Parmesan Cauliflower Bites – Easy Snack Recipe with Ranch

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Crunchy, spicy, and cheesy, these air fryer buffalo parmesan cauliflower bites are a lighter, veggie-forward alternative to classic wings. Perfect for game night or parties, they’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and pair perfectly with cool ranch dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 5 cups / 600g)
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cauliflower. Cut into bite-sized florets (about 1.5-inch pieces), keeping pieces similar in size.
  2. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl. Mix the breadcrumb mixture well.
  3. Dredge each cauliflower floret in flour, shake off excess, dip in beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. Place coated florets on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until golden and crispy.
  6. While cauliflower cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in buffalo wing sauce and honey/maple syrup if using. Mix until smooth.
  7. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a clean bowl. Drizzle with buffalo sauce and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with extra parmesan if desired.
  8. Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping and garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For vegan, use flax egg and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and vegan ranch. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness. Breaded cauliflower can be prepped up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. For extra crunch, let bites cool a minute before tossing in sauce. Oven method: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, buffalo cauliflower, parmesan, vegetarian snack, game day, appetizer, ranch, low carb, gluten free option, spicy, finger food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/air-fryer-buffalo-parmesan-cauliflower-bites-easy-snack-recipe-with-ranch/