Description
Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious vegetarian appetizer or snack featuring bite-sized florets of cauliflower coated in a flavorful batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, these cauliflower bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold club soda or water
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Batter Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold club soda until a smooth batter forms, similar to pancake batter.
- Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then carefully place in the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Dipping Sauce: To make the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Serving: Serve the crispy cauliflower hot with dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toss the fried bites in buffalo or sweet chili sauce before serving.
- To make them gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
