Description
Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites offer a deliciously crunchy and flavorful vegan appetizer that’s perfect as a healthy snack or party treat. These cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, rolled in panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection for a guilt-free indulgence with a satisfying crisp.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Coating
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup water (or plant-based milk)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- cooking spray or vegetable oil for baking or frying
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the water or plant-based milk, whisking until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow bowl to easily coat each cauliflower floret after dipping in the batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch to allow even crisping. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to help achieve a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower bites halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and become crispy on all sides.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For an extra crispy texture, you can air-fry the cauliflower bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or deep fry them in hot vegetable oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy the golden crispy cauliflower bites immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, buffalo, or a tangy vegan aioli.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the batter mixture.
- Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs as substitutes to make this recipe gluten-free.
- These cauliflower bites are best served fresh and hot to maintain maximum crunchiness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to help retain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
