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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

A close-up of crispy Buffalo cauliflower bites coated in a vibrant orange sauce on a white plate.
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Crispy baked or air-fried cauliflower florets coated in a spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce. A perfect plant-based appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if oven baking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a separate shallow bowl, pour the plant-based milk.
  4. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dip each cauliflower floret first into the flour mixture, then into the plant-based milk, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If using an air fryer, cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
  7. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Stir in the hot sauce and apple cider vinegar. If desired, stir in the maple syrup. Cook for 2-3 minutes until combined and heated through.
  8. Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer the florets to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Serve immediately with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing.

Notes

  • For extra crispy bites, you can double-coat the cauliflower: dip in flour, then milk, then panko, then milk again, and finally panko again.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.
  • This recipe is a great alternative for meal planning, offering a healthy option that satisfies cravings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/buffalo-cauliflower-bites-vegan-appetizer/