Crispy Cauliflower Bites

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🧄 Crispy Cauliflower Bites Recipe

🔸 Ingredients

For the cauliflower bites:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

  • 3/4 cup water (or unsweetened plant milk)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, or gluten-free)

  • Optional: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or parmesan for added flavor

For optional sauce (e.g., buffalo-style):

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter or vegan butter

  • 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

🔹 Instructions

1. Prep

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.

2. Batter the Cauliflower

  • In a bowl, whisk flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  • In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs (mix in nutritional yeast or cheese if using).

3. Coat the Bites

  • Dip each floret into the batter, let the excess drip off, then coat with breadcrumbs.

  • Place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Bake or Air Fry

  • Oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

  • Air Fryer: Air fry in batches for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.

5. Optional: Sauce Toss

  • For buffalo-style: Mix hot sauce, melted butter, and syrup. Toss the cooked bites in the sauce and return to oven/air fryer for 5 more minutes to crisp up again.

🔸 Serving Ideas

  • Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or garlic aioli.

  • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

  • Serve in tacos, wraps, or over rice bowls.

❓Q&A: Crispy Cauliflower Bites

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour (like chickpea or rice flour) and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes. Bake them fully, let cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp before serving. Avoid tossing in sauce if storing.

Q: Why are my bites soggy?

A: Common causes:

  • Batter was too thick or thin (should coat but drip slightly).

  • Cauliflower too wet (pat dry before battering).

  • Bites were crowded—spread them out for airflow.

  • Not baked long enough—keep them in until golden brown.

Q: Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

A: You can, but they add a lot of crunch. If skipping, double-bake the bites or coat in crushed cornflakes or seeds instead.

Q: What sauces go well with these?

A: Great options include:

  • Buffalo sauce

  • BBQ sauce

  • Teriyaki

  • Ranch or blue cheese

  • Sriracha mayo

  • Tahini garlic dip

Q: How do I make them spicier?

A: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the batter or breadcrumbs. You can also toss them in a spicier sauce like chili garlic or Korean gochujang glaze.

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