Crispy Cauliflower Bites

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Crispy Cauliflower Bites—bite-sized nuggets of tender cauliflower coated in a perfectly seasoned batter and baked or air-fried to irresistible golden crispiness. These vegan delights are not only a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks but also a crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs wonderfully with your choice of spicy vegan buffalo or savory barbecue dipping sauce. With a satisfying crunch in every bite and a burst of flavor in every dip, these cauliflower bites are a must-try addition to your appetizer repertoire, perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delightful snack.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Bites:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

• 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• Cooking spray or olive oil (for coating)

For the Vegan Dipping Sauce (Buffalo or Barbecue):

• 1/2 cup vegan buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (for buffalo sauce)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for barbecue sauce)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Batter:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter.

3. Coat the Cauliflower:

• Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it's well coated.

• Shake off any excess batter before placing the coated florets on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

4. Bake or Air Fry:

• For Oven Baking: Spray or brush the coated cauliflower florets with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

• For Air Frying: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.

5. Prepare the Vegan Dipping Sauce:

• For Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter and whisk it into the vegan buffalo sauce. Heat it gently until warm.

• For Barbecue Sauce: Mix the barbecue sauce with garlic powder in a small bowl.

6. Serve:

• Serve the crispy cauliflower bites hot with the vegan dipping sauce of your choice (buffalo or barbecue).

These Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Whether you prefer them with a spicy buffalo kick or sweet barbecue flavor, they make for a satisfying and delicious appetizer or snack. Enjoy!