Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable Version)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites tossed in vibrant buffalo sauce. Perfect appetizer with a satisfying crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)

→ Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
14 - Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip, for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add plant-based milk, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
04 - Place the battered cauliflower pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - While baking, combine hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave in a small bowl.
07 - Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or chives and accompanied by vegan ranch or blue cheese dip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that perfect spicy tangy buffalo flavor without anyone missing the meat
  • The batter creates the most incredible crunch that actually holds up under sauce
02 -
  • Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with soggy bites, so use two sheets if needed
  • Letting them cool even slightly makes a huge difference in texture development
03 -
  • Two minutes under the broiler at the end creates these gorgeous caramelized spots that make these look and taste restaurant quality
  • Air frying works beautifully at 200°C (400°F) for 15 to 20 minutes with a good shake halfway through
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