Description
Make crispy, flavorful BBQ cauliflower bites quickly in your air fryer. This recipe uses a light coating to achieve maximum crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (or unsweetened plant milk for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the water (or plant milk) to the dry mixture and stir until a thin batter forms.
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until lightly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well.
- Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower to a clean bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the bites and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Serve immediately with a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dip.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the battered florets with oil before the first air fry cycle.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for the best texture.
- If you prefer a drier coating, skip the wet batter and toss the florets directly with the dry seasoning mix and a light spray of oil.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian; use plant milk in the batter to keep it vegan.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0