This Bang Bang Cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and borderline addictive—in the best way. Cauliflower is one of those veggies I want to love, but I’ll be honest: I’m picky. If it’s under-seasoned or not cooked just right, I’m out.

Crispy breaded chicken bite being dipped into a creamy sriracha mayo sauce with chopsticks, shown close-up

That’s exactly why this air-fried bang bang cauliflower has become one of my favorite ways to eat it. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. Even better? It comes together in under 25 minutes.

Is Bang-Bang Sauce Really Authentic?

The short answer is no. Growing up in China, I have actually never tried “Bang Bang” anything. After Tom mentioned the iconic Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill and how much he loved it I knew I had to recreate a cleaner, lighter version at home.

Since Bang-bang sauce is a creamy, spicy, tangy mayo-based sauce, I have tested a few substitutions and decided to use vegan mayo from Trader Joe’s and vegan butter.

I have also tried regular mayo and butter—both versions work perfectly.

Crispy breaded chicken bites piled on a plate, garnished with chopped herbs and sesame seeds, with chopsticks picking one up
Plate and enjoy by dunking in bang bang sauce!

This is for the Mom Who Always Buys Cauliflowers

Every week, I somehow end up with a head of cauliflower in my cart. It’s great for soups, smoothies, and roasting—but turning it into a crispy, spicy snack? That’s next level.

This recipe is:

  • Quick (ready in under 25 minutes)
  • Crispy without deep frying
  • Easily vegan
  • Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side

How to Make Crispy Cauliflower with Bang Bang Sauce

Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Cut all cauliflower into bite sized pieces and put in a bowl
Cut all cauliflower into bite sized pieces and put in a bowl
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Coat the cauliflower in flour and garlic powder
Coat the cauliflower in flour and garlic powder
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Next, add the vegan mayo, vegan butter, and sriracha.
Next, add the vegan mayo, vegan butter, and sriracha.
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Coat until well combined.
Coat until well combined.
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Next, toss in the breadcrumbs.
Next, toss in the breadcrumbs.
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Make sure all pieces are coated with the breadcrumbs
Make sure all pieces are coated with the breadcrumbs
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Make sure all pieces are coated with the breadcrumbs
Make sure all pieces are coated with the breadcrumbs
Step by step instruction to make air fryer bang bang cauliflowers - Cook until crispy or browned.
Cook until crispy or browned

No air fryer? You can bake it in the oven—it won’t be quite as crispy, but still totally delicious. A deep fryer also works if you’re after maximum crunch.

Tips for the Crispiest Cauliflower

  • Double bread for extra crunch: Dip in the batter, coat with panko, then repeat.
  • Keep the florets similar in size: This helps them cook evenly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Work in batches so everything gets crisp.
Crispy breaded chicken bites piled on a plate, garnished with chopped herbs and sesame seeds

All The Ways You can Serve them

Of course, you could eat this dish on its own- it’s SO good. But you could also enjoy this as a side, or an appetizer as well!

This would pair perfectly as a side dish for Airfryer Chicken Nuggets.

Or enjoy this along with some other appetizers, such as this Instapot Buffalo Chicken Dip, or Buffalo Chicken Wontons!

Bang bang cauliflower is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So next time you are looking for a satisfying snack or appetizer, give bang bang cauliflower a try!

Crispy breaded chicken bite being dipped into a creamy sriracha mayo sauce with chopsticks, shown close-up

Get the recipe:Crispy Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower {Air Fryer}

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Bang bang cauliflower is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you are looking for a satisfying snack or appetizer, give bang bang cauliflower a try!
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Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, 1/2-3/4 pound
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter
  • 1/3 cup vegan mayo
  • 1/4 cup sriracha
  • 2-3 tbsp chili paste
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, I like the one from Trader Joe's

Aioli Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp sriracha, *or more based on spice liking

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. **
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder and add cauliflower florets in.
  • In another big bowl mix together the sauce(mayo,melted butter, and sriracha)
  • Dip the flour-coated cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated. (Do not dump the whole bowl of cauliflower in along with the excess flour)
  • In another bowl, whisk together panko bread crumb and garlic powder.
  • Coat the cauliflower in the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Bake or air fry the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Once the cauliflower is cooked dip in the aioli and Serve immediately and enjoy!

Aioli Instructions

  • Mix together in a small dish 2-3 tbsp of mayo with 1 tbsp of sriracha

Notes

I linked a few of my favorite brands for some of the ingredients (from Amazon). Hopefully, you can find them at your local store! Let me know if you have any questions.

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.

Author: Shuang Shuang Liang