Description
Crispy Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower is a flavorful and spicy appetizer made by air frying cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned flour batter and crispy panko breadcrumbs, then tossed in a creamy vegan bang bang sauce. This easy vegan recipe delivers a crunchy texture with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, ideal for sharing or serving as a finger food.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Coating
- 1 head cauliflower (1/2-3/4 pound), cut into florets
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/3 cup vegan mayo
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 2-3 tbsp chili paste
Aioli Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or more based on spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for cooking the cauliflower to a crispy texture.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well to evenly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Make the Batter: In a separate large bowl, mix together the vegan mayo, melted vegan butter, sriracha, and chili paste until fully combined, creating the flavorful batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower in Batter: Dip each flour-coated cauliflower floret into the batter bowl individually, ensuring an even coating without transferring excess flour into the batter.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: In another bowl, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Then, coat each battered cauliflower floret in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere well.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Make the Aioli Sauce: In a small dish, mix together 1/4 cup vegan mayo and 2 tablespoons sriracha. Adjust the spiciness to taste.
- Serve: Once the cauliflower is cooked, dip or toss the crispy florets in the aioli sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free if desired.
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha and chili paste.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra crispiness, shake the basket or flip the florets halfway through cooking.
- This recipe can be made in an oven at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes if an air fryer is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan American
