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Nashville Hot Cauliflower Bites

These air fryer Nashville hot cauliflower bites feature all the heat and crunch without any of the meat! The combination of crispy cauliflower and spicy chili oil makes this a savory snack perfect for any occasion.

Tasty Team
78% would make again
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

30 minutes

30 min

Cook Time

15 minutes

15 min

Nashville Hot Cauliflower Bites
Total Time

45 minutes

45 min

Prep Time

30 minutes

30 min

Cook Time

15 minutes

15 min

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Spice Mix

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons mustard powder
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

Cauliflower

  • 1 lb cauliflower florets (150 g)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Batter

  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 mL)
  • ½ cup all purpose flour (60 g)
  • 1 tablespoon louisiana hot sauce
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (115 g)

Spicy Oil

  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup canola oil (80 mL)
  • nonstick cooking spray

For Serving

  • white bread
  • dill pickle chip

Special Equipment

  • air fryer

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 234
  • Fat 3g
  • Carbs 42g
  • Fiber 4g
  • Sugar 7g
  • Protein 8g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. Make the spice mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, mustard powder, black pepper, and onion powder.
  2. Add the cauliflower florets to a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix, tossing to coat the cauliflower completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  4. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, and hot sauce until smooth.
  5. Add a cauliflower floret to the batter and toss to coat completely.
  6. Shake off any excess batter and dip the cauliflower into the panko bread crumbs tossing to coat completely.
  7. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Add the cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Fry until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.
  8. Make the spicy oil: In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of the spice mix, the sugar, and canola oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves.
  9. Drizzle the crispy cauliflower with the spicy oil and sprinkle with the remaining spice mix.
  10. Serve with white bread and dill pickle chips.
  11. Enjoy!
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Nashville Hot Cauliflower Bites