Description
Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, vegan appetizer featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a healthy snack or party appetizer, these bites offer a satisfying crunch with a smoky garlic kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the water or plant-based milk until you get a smooth, thick batter that will coat the cauliflower.
- Coat Cauliflower: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Arrange for Baking: Arrange the coated cauliflower bites evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower bites halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispness and golden color.
- Optional Cooking Methods: For extra crispiness, you may air-fry the bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or deep-fry in hot oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cauliflower bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch, buffalo sauce, or a tangy aioli.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the batter mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- These bites are best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crunchiness.
- You can substitute plant-based milk for water in the batter to add extra moisture and flavor.
