Can I bake the Bang Bang Cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! While air frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Is this Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but it can easily be made gluten-free! Just use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Double-check that your vegan mayo and sauces are certified gluten-free too.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?

It has a medium heat level thanks to the sriracha and chili paste. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce or skip the chili paste and cut back on the sriracha. Want it hotter? Add more chili paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare this vegan cauliflower in advance?

You can prep the cauliflower and sauce ahead of time, but for best texture, cook and coat right before serving. If reheating, pop them back in the air fryer or oven to regain that crispy finish.

What’s the best vegan mayo for this recipe?

Any quality vegan mayo will work, but brands like Follow Your Heart or Hellmann’s Vegan are great for their creamy texture and balanced flavor, which pair well with the spicy aioli.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Cauliflower?

It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a main meal. Serve it over jasmine rice or in lettuce wraps for a light meal. It also pairs well with vegan fried rice, noodles, or as a party platter with other finger foods.

Crispy Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower

Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and insanely addictive! A vegan, air fryer–friendly twist on the classic, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
1/3 cup vegan mayo
1/4 cup sriracha
2–3 tbsp chili paste
For the Aioli:
1/4 cup vegan mayo
2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and garlic powder. Toss in the cauliflower to coat evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix melted vegan butter, vegan mayo, and sriracha. Dip the flour-coated cauliflower florets into this sauce mixture.
In another bowl, combine panko and a pinch more garlic powder. Roll each saucy floret in the panko until fully coated.
Place in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding) and cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, mix the mayo and sriracha to create your bang bang aioli dipping sauce.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy results, double-bread the cauliflower and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat in the air fryer to bring back crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 310
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bang bang cauliflower, vegan appetizer, air fryer cauliflower, spicy vegan snacks