010: AIR FRYER BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

🌶️ Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites — Fiery Garden Crunch

Archetype: The Fire Dancer — crisp florets kissed with spice, a plant-powered spin on wings that brings heat and lift without heaviness.

🥣 What It Is

Cauliflower florets tossed in a light batter, air fried until golden, then coated in tangy buffalo sauce. A crunchy, spicy, addictive snack or side — perfect for game day, weeknight cravings, or a plant-based twist on wings.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 3–4)

• Cauliflower: 1 medium head (about 5–6 cups florets), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Batter: 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (or GF flour blend) • 2/3 cup water (or plant milk) • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp paprika • 1/2 tsp salt
• Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s style) • 2 tbsp melted butter (or olive oil/vegan butter)
• Optional Garnish: chopped parsley • celery sticks • ranch or blue cheese dip (dairy or plant-based)

✍️ Method (30–35 min)

1. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Batter: Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt into a smooth batter. Dip florets to coat lightly; shake off excess.
3. Air fry (1st pass): Arrange coated florets in a single layer. Cook 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly golden.
4. Sauce coat: In a bowl, toss hot florets with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
5. Air fry (2nd pass): Return sauced florets to basket. Cook another 6–8 minutes until edges crisp and sauce bakes in.
6. Serve: Pile onto a platter with celery sticks and dipping sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Extra crispy: Add 2 tbsp panko crumbs to the batter for a crunchier finish.
• Milder heat: Mix buffalo sauce with 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup.
• Meal prep: Batter and sauce can be prepped ahead; fry cauliflower just before serving.

📜 Lore / Origin

Buffalo wings were born in New York, but cauliflower claimed its own spotlight in the plant-based era: same fiery zing, lighter lift. The air fryer seals the deal — crunch without the vat of oil.

🌺 Benefits

• Cauliflower: high fiber, low carb, cruciferous veggie goodness
• Air fry method: crispy without deep-frying
• Custom heat: adjust spice for gentle warmth or blazing fire

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Kick: 20/20
• Texture Crunch: 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Versatility: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Fire-dancing florets, light yet bold.