Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo Cauliflower is a veggie twist on a classic appetizer! They are crispy with the perfect touch of spice.

Buffalo Cauliflower is sure to be a tasty hit! If you can’t get enough buffalo flavoring, you’ll love Baked Buffalo Wings, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.

crispy buffalo cauliflower

I love a good buffalo-sauced appetizer! I’ll even add buffalo sauce to other dishes (like Mac and Cheese, Mozzarella Sticks, and Pizza) because I love it so much!

It was only natural I tweak our traditional Buffalo Bites and create a veggie version – Buffalo Cauliflower!

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings make a great game day appetizer, side dish, snack, or even a main entree. Serve Buffalo Cauliflower with a side of Veggie Cups and some Ranch Dressing & Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping!

How to make buffalo cauliflower

PREP. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

SEASONING. While the oil is heating whisk together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Add water and mix until smooth.

COAT. Add part of the florets to the batter and toss to coat. Dip florets in a pie pan filled with Panko.

FRY. Fry in the oil (until golden brown). Continue until all the florets are fried.

SAUCE. Quickly toss (do not soak) florets in warm buffalo sauce.

Ingredient Tips

Cauliflower. Cauliflower is considered a superfood because it is packed full of nutrients. Unfortunately, once coated in flour and fried in oil it isn’t considered a superfood or even healthy, but it is still delicious.

Bake for a healthier version: Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites.

Here are some prepping tips to help make Buffalo Cauliflower:

• A 2-pound head of cauliflower will yield 3-4 cups of florets.
• Use fresh or frozen cauliflower, just note that the frozen Cauliflower Bites may be a bit softer than if you use fresh florets. 
• Rinse the cauliflower well to wash away any hidden dirt, bacteria, or even bugs.
• Salt water soak is another good way to clean the cauliflower. Soak it for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. 
• After washing, pat the florets dry before coating them in the flour batter. 

Buffalo Sauce. Coat the Fried Buffalo Cauliflower with your favorite buffalo sauce. Easily adjust the level of heat in a few ways:

• To make them hotter, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• To make them milder, add melted butter to the buffalo sauce. 

Instead of buffalo sauce, coat them with BBQ Sauce or Teriyaki Sauce.

Frying Tips

Oil. Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil to fry these Cauliflower Bites up. Since this recipe pan-fries, only ¼-⅓ inch of oil is needed in the pan.

The hot oil should be about 365°F. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side. Once the crispy Buffalo Cauliflower is golden brown, drain the florets on a paper towel.

• Work in batches and fry the cauliflower in a single layer.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the cauliflower.
• Turn down the heat if the florets are browning much quicker than the 4-6 minutes.
• Turn up the heat of the oil if they are needing longer than 4-6 minutes or the cauliflower will become saturated with oil and soggy.

Storing Info

STORE leftover fried Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Reheat. The best way to reheat is in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. The microwave can be used in a pinch, but it won’t be as crisp.

For more finger food appetizers:

• Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
• Teriyaki Chicken Wings 
• Bacon Wrapped Smokies
• Fried Egg Rolls
• Buffalo Wings 
• Deep Fried Pickles 
• Jalapeno Poppers