BBQ Cauliflower Bites ~
The perfect blend of crispiness and finger-licking sticky goodness!
Vegan Cauliflower Wings
I love this recipe because BBQ Cauliflower Bites, also known as Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings, are incredibly easy to make and packed with bold flavors. They’re versatile enough to serve as a healthy snack with carrot sticks and Vegan Ranch Dip for Game Day, as a tasty side dish, or even as a main course for an easy dinner.
With just six simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to satisfy your barbecue cravings.
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, the cauliflower goes through three rounds in the air fryer: once with the batter and twice with the barbecue sauce. This method ensures each piece is perfectly coated and crispy, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for BBQ Cauliflower Bites
- 1 pound cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided
Ingredient Notes
- Cauliflower Florets – For best results, use fresh (not frozen!) raw cauliflower pieces. The amount needed for this recipe is specified in weight since the size of a ‘large head of cauliflower’ can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base for the light batter that provides a nice crispy coating when air-fried.
- Oat Milk – I prefer oat non-dairy milk for its mild flavor. Unsweetened almond milk also works well for this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
How to Make BBQ Cauliflower Bites
STEP ONE: Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Batter. While the air fryer is preheating, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened almond milk, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth.
STEP THREE: Coat the Cauliflower. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Wipe out the bowl; you will need it again.
STEP FOUR: First Air Frying. Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the cauliflower at 375°F for 12 minutes.
STEP FIVE: First BBQ Sauce Coating. Transfer the air-fried cauliflower back to the mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce and gently toss to coat.
STEP SIX: Second Air Frying. Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 12 minutes.
STEP SEVEN: Second BBQ Sauce Coating. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce to the mixing bowl. Once again, add the cauliflower and gently toss to coat.
STEP EIGHT: Final Air Frying. Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Serve warm or at room temperature.
FAQ for BBQ Cauliflower Bites
- Can I use a different type of milk in the batter? Yes, you can use any plant-based milk you prefer, such as soy milk or almond milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid adding unnecessary sweetness to the batter.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your barbecue sauce is also gluten-free.
- What other sauces can I use? Feel free to experiment with different sauces. For a different flavor profile, try savory Buffalo, spicy Sriracha hot sauce, or a sweet sauce such as teriyaki or sweet honey mustard.
Storage
- Store any leftover BBQ Cauliflower Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Cauliflower Steaks
- Air-Fryer Buffalo Tofu
- BBQ Tofu Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Shishito Peppers
- Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
BBQ Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower florets bite-size
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- While the air fryer is preheating, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened almond milk, sea salt, and ground black pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Wipe out the bowl; you will need it again.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the cauliflower at 375°F for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the air-fried cauliflower back to the mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce and gently toss to coat.
- Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 12 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce to the mixing bowl. Once again, add the cauliflower and gently toss to coat.
- Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower reaches your desired level of crispiness. Serve warm or room temperature.
Nutrition
Updated May 31, 2024
Leave a Reply