Dig into these crispy cauliflower bites, a delicious vegetarian alternative to classic buffalo wings. Made with fresh, tender cauliflower florets coated in a crispy, flavorful breading and served with zesty buffalo sauce – you need to make these ASAP!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer for your next party or just want a fun snack to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, crispy cauliflower bites are a must-try. With their crispy texture and zesty buffalo sauce flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite for veggie lovers and meat eaters alike. Try them with my vegetarian quinoa balls.
What You Need to Make this Recipe
- Cauliflower: Break down a cauliflower head into florets or purchase a bag of pre-cut fresh cauliflower. Either way, I recommend trimming the stems and cutting them into bite-size pieces.
- Cornstarch: Toss the cauliflower in cornstarch to help them become crispy and create a base for the egg to adhere.
- Egg: Egg binds the panko mixture to the cauliflower.
- Breading: Coat the crispy cauliflower bites in panko, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Buffalo Sauce: I use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce, but you can make your own or use one of the suggested sauces below.
Additions and Substitutions
Toss the cauliflower bites in buffalo sauce or leave it off entirely. Instead of Buffalo Sauce, try coating them in Mike’s Hot Honey, BBQ sauce, homemade garlic parmesan (use the sauce from our air fryer garlic parmesan wings), honey Sriracha sauce, or Nando’s Peri Peri Sauce.
How to Make Crispy Cauliflower Bites
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Then, cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces, pat them dry, and add them to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the cornstarch to the cauliflower and toss to combine.
Step 3: Whisk eggs in a small bowl. Then, mix panko, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes on a plate to form your dredging station.
Step 4: Dip the cauliflower into the egg mixture and shake off any excess. Transfer to the panko mixture and press the cauliflower on all sides to coat.
Line the cauliflower bites onto the wire rack and bake for 20-23 minutes until the florets turn golden brown.
Step 5: Transfer the bites from the oven to a mixing bowl and toss with buffalo sauce to serve.
Expert Tips
- Cut the cauliflower florets the same size to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use one hand for the egg mixture and one for the panko to avoid build-up on your hands.
- Serve the crispy cauliflower bites immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- The panko will absorb the buffalo sauce, so I recommend lightly tossing them in the sauce, or for extra-crispy bites, consider serving the buffalo sauce on the side.
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Serving Suggestions
These bites or cauliflower wings are an easy-to-make appetizer with bleu cheese, sos czosnkowy, or ranch dressing! But did you know you can feature them as a main dish? Serve the crispy cauliflower bites in a wrap, taco, or pita. Or you can use them as a crispy addition to a tossed salad or protein bowl.
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – If you intend on having leftovers, I recommend leaving the sauce off of the cauliflower bites. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat – Warm the leftovers in a microwave or the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy?
Roasted cauliflower can quickly become soggy and mushy if the baking pan is overcrowded, so leave room between the florets. Using too much oil is another issue. Ensure the florets have enough oil to caramelize but not too much to become soggy.
Is crispy cauliflower good for you?
Coat the cauliflower in breading made from panko and spices before baking them in the oven. While this does add some calories and carbohydrates to the dish, it’s still a healthy snacking option.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
The cauliflower is best served fresh, but if you decide to make them ahead of time, reserve the sauce separately until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make crispy cauliflower bites in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the cauliflower for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
More Vegetables Sides:
Crispy Cauliflower Bites
- Small Bowl
- Plate
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Then, cut the cauliflower into bite-size pieces, pat them dry, and add them to a mixing bowl.
- Add the cornstarch to the cauliflower and toss to combine.
- Whisk eggs in a small bowl. Then, mix panko, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes on a plate to form your dredging station.
- Dip the cauliflower into the egg mixture and shake off any excess. Transfer to the panko mixture and press the cauliflower on all sides to coat.
- Line the cauliflower bites onto the wire rack and bake for 20-23 minutes until the florets turn golden brown.
- Transfer the bites from the oven to a mixing bowl and toss with buffalo sauce to serve.
- Cut the cauliflower florets the same size to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Use one hand for the egg mixture and one for the panko to avoid build-up on your hands.
- Serve the crispy cauliflower bites immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- The panko will absorb the buffalo sauce, so I recommend lightly tossing them in the sauce, or for extra-crispy bites, consider serving the buffalo sauce on the side.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.