Ingredients
Scale
For the Bites:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Vegan ranch dressing or vegan blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or radish rounds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into small, uniform florets.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss them to coat evenly.
- Bake or Air Fry the Cauliflower:
- Oven Method: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of oil. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce:
- Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat each floret evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot with dipping sauces like vegan ranch or blue cheese, and side veggies like celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or radish rounds.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cut and batter the cauliflower in advance, then store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Adjust Spice Level: The hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference. Use a milder hot sauce for less heat, or add more for an extra spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.