This bang-bang cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and addictive snack. Cauliflower is a versatile veggie that can be enjoyed in alot of ways. From roasting, grilling, mashing, or air frying, there are SO many ways to enjoy this vegetable!

A plate of crispy and golden brown bang bang cauliflower sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds.

I am not sure about you, but I am PICKY about my veggies. I like them cooked and seasoned certain ways, or else they just aren’t as enjoyable. Thats why I had to find a new way to enjoy cauliflower! This crispy vegan bang-bang cauliflower is made in the air fryer and has the most delicious sauce to accompany it!

If you are looking for other ways to enjoy this fun veggie, then check out my recipe on how to Rice Cauliflower!

Once you have riced it, then you can make this tasty Fried “Rice” dish, where you can add some extras like egg, chicken, veggies, and toss it in a savory sauce!

What is Bang-Bang Sauce

I personally had never heard of or tried Bang Bang, but Tom shared this idea with me from one of his outings to Bonefish Grill.

After that, I knew I needed to create a *cleaner* version of it!

Whether you choose to create this cauliflower version, or a shrimp or tofu creation. Whatever you choose, it is bound to be delicious!

Bang-Bang sauce is a creation of a spicy and creamy mayo-based mixture. It includes mayo, sriracha, and a tangy chili sauce.

For this recipe, I opted to use items like vegan butter, and vegan mayo, but you can very much make this with standard non vegan ingredients as well!

What to do with the Cauliflower Sitting in Your Fridge

Just about every week when I go grocery shopping, I am picking up a head of cauliflower.

Plus there are so many things to do with cauliflower! Add it to your smoothies, blended creamy soups, or try out this tasty crispy version!

Ingredients Needed to Make Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower

To make these amazing Air Fryer Cauliflower vegan I swapped out the butter and mayo, for the vegan alternatives.

Nonetheless- you could use dairy products.

Dry Ingredients

Flour– I used all purpose flour

Garlic Powder

Panko Breadcrumbs– You could use standard breadcrumbs, but it won’t yield the same results or crunchiness as panko don’t.

Perishable Items

Cauliflower– Small to medium sized head of cauliflower, and cut into small pieces.

Butter– I used a vegan alternative.

Mayo– I like to use the Trader Joes vegan mayo.

Sriracha– This will add the heat to the dish!

Chili Paste

How to Make Crispy Cauliflower with Bang Bang Sauce

This really is a simple dish to make– and can be made in less than 25 minutes!

You will first want to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees.

Don’t have an air fryer?

I have also successfully baked the cauliflower in the oven. It totally works if you don’t have an air fryer. They won’t get quite as crispy, but decently delicious! 

If you have a deep fryer at home, I’m sure that would be amazing too.

Tips for Making Bang Bang Cauliflower

Here are a few tips to help make sure your cauliflower is EXTRA good!

  • For extra crispy cauliflower, double bread the florets. Simply dip the cauliflower in the batter, then coat it in panko breadcrumbs before baking or air frying.
  • For extra crispy cauliflower, double bread the florets. Simply dip the cauliflower in the batter, then coat it in panko breadcrumbs before baking or air frying.
  • To make a vegan version of bang bang cauliflower, simply use vegan mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.
Plate and enjoy by dunking in bang bang sauce!

How to Serve This Dish

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!

I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS

A plate of crispy and golden brown bang bang cauliflower sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds.
A plate of crispy and golden brown bang bang cauliflower sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds.

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

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

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
  • 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.
  • While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together sriracha aioli.
  • Once the cauliflower is cooked dip in the aioli and Serve immediately and enjoy!

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