Crispy Keto Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These Crispy Keto Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a perfect blend of crunchy, spicy, and satisfying. Coated with a crispy batter and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, they make an irresistible keto-friendly snack or appetizer. They’re gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with flavor, making them a great alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet (1 large)
- Mixing Bowl – 1 medium
- Saucepan (1 small, for buffalo sauce)
- Fork or Tongs (1, for dipping and coating)
- Oven or Fryer (1, depending on cooking method)
- Parchment Paper (1 sheet, optional for baking)
Ingredients
- Cauliflower – 1 medium head cut into florets
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs Panko – 1 cup
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon for coating breadcrumbs
- Smoked Paprika – ½ teaspoon optional
- Buffalo Sauce – ½ cup
- Butter – 2 tablespoons melted
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder for sauce – 1 teaspoon
- Salt for sauce – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into even florets and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add water, stirring until you form a thick batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake or Fry the Cauliflower: Bake the coated florets in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, fry them for 3-4 minutes in hot oil until crispy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the buffalo sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until combined.
- Toss in the Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower bites are crispy, place them in a mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Crispiness: For the crispiest bites, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the cauliflower to steam instead of crisp up.
- Dipping Sauce: A keto-friendly ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with these buffalo cauliflower bites.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but for the best texture, these are best enjoyed fresh.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred heat level by adding more or less hot sauce.