Bang Bang Cauliflower

Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy, Bang Bang Cauliflower is the perfect plant-based appetizer or side dish that brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. Battered and baked (or air-fried) cauliflower florets are tossed in a zesty, sweet heat sauce that makes every bite addictive. It’s a game day favorite, meatless Monday hit, or anytime snack that never fails to impress.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Crunchy – Coated cauliflower with a satisfying bite
Sweet & Spicy Sauce – The perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and heat
Better Than Takeout – Restaurant flavor made fresh at home
Oven or Air Fryer Friendly – Baked, not fried
Totally Meatless – Great for vegetarians and plant-based eaters

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Cooking spray (for baking or air frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Optional Garnishes:
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet or air fryer
Parchment paper
Whisk and spatula
Tongs or fork

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or set air fryer to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
Roll in panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Place coated florets on the baking sheet or in air fryer basket, spaced apart.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Or air fry in batches for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar in a bowl until creamy.

Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once cauliflower is crispy, toss it gently in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it over the top.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Cauliflower
Use Panko – For extra crispy texture
Toss Lightly – Don’t oversaturate the cauliflower with sauce
Customize Heat – More sriracha = more spice
Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed fresh and hot

Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
Lettuce wraps for a fun twist
As a taco filling with slaw
Alongside other finger foods for a party platter

Perfect for:
Appetizers and snacks
Meatless Mondays
Game day spreads
Casual entertaining

How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Air fry or bake at 375°F until re-crisped
Do not freeze – Texture won’t hold up

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely—just use a vegan mayonnaise.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
Mix honey, a little vinegar, and a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I prep it ahead?
You can batter and bread the cauliflower ahead, then bake just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Cauliflower is the crispy, spicy, and satisfyingly creamy snack or side dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether you bake it or air fry it, this flavor-packed recipe turns humble cauliflower into an irresistible treat.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Bang Bang Cauliflower turns out.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

Print