BBQ Cauliflower Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly sticky with finger-licking barbecue sauce deliciousness!
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.
As a home cook focused on simple, satisfying plant-based meals for over 13 years, I understand how helpful it is to have recipes that check all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and made with familiar ingredients. This air fryer BBQ cauliflower is a reliable go-to when something fast and fun is needed without a lot of prep or cleanup. 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
You will need the following:
- 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.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
- Plant Milk – I use oat milk for its mild flavor. Unsweetened almond milk also works well for this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce – mild, smoky, spicy, or sweet—it all works here.
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
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BBQ Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower florets bite-size
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant milk oat or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher 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, plant milk, 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
This post was updated on April 7, 2025.
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