Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites with a tangy buffalo sauce and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)

→ Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
14 - Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the plant-based milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
03 - Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to thoroughly coat each piece.
04 - Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - While baking, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave in a small bowl.
07 - Remove cauliflower from oven and gently toss in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or chives and accompanied by vegan ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under an hour with zero guilt.
  • One batch disappears faster than you'd expect, whether you're feeding skeptics or committed plant-based folks.
  • You can prep the batter while the oven preheats and have hot, saucy bites on the table before anyone realizes dinner is ready.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flip halfway through the first bake—one side will brown faster than the other, and flipping ensures even crispness on all sides.
  • The cornstarch is non-negotiable if you want that shattering crunch; flour alone won't give you the same texture.
  • Arrange florets with breathing room between them or they'll stick together and steam instead of crisping, which is heartbreaking when you're already thirty minutes into the process.
03 -
  • If you want them even crispier, broil for two to three minutes at the end, watching carefully so they don't burn—the sauce will caramelize into darker, crunchier edges.
  • An air fryer works beautifully here too at 200°C (400°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, and uses less oil overall.
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