Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer! This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe delivers incredibly crispy, flavor-packed bites of cauliflower tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make right at home. Whether you prefer it baked to golden perfection or crisped up in the air fryer, this guide has you covered. Forget soggy cauliflower; we’re sharing all the secrets to getting that perfect restaurant-quality crunch every single time. It’s the perfect way to transform a humble vegetable into a truly addictive treat.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
This isn’t just another cauliflower recipe; it’s a game-changer for your appetizer spread. The combination of the crispy panko coating and the signature creamy chili sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve as a party snack, a side dish, or even the star of a main course in tacos or rice bowls. Plus, with options for baking or air frying, you can choose the method that works best for you.
What is Bang Bang Cauliflower?
Bang Bang Cauliflower is a popular vegetarian appetizer inspired by the famous Bonefish Grill shrimp dish. It consists of cauliflower florets that are coated in a light batter, breaded for crunch, cooked until golden, and then tossed in a signature “bang bang sauce.” The sauce is the star of the show—a creamy and tangy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha.
The Secret to the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
The magic of this dish lies in its sauce. A perfect Bang Bang Sauce balances creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. The mayonnaise provides a rich base, the sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness and mild heat, and the sriracha brings a vibrant, garlicky kick. A little bit of lime juice or rice vinegar can cut through the richness and brighten everything up. The key is to whisk it until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy, ready to coat every nook and cranny of your crispy cauliflower.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for a vegan version)
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons sriracha, depending on your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon lime juice, fresh squeezed
How to Make Bang Bang Cauliflower: Step-by-Step
Making this dish is a simple process of preparing, coating, cooking, and tossing. Follow these steps for perfect results.
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven or air fryer. Wash and thoroughly dry the head of cauliflower. This is a crucial step—excess moisture will prevent it from getting crispy. Cut the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets.
Step 2: Make the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the milk into the second bowl. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Working with one floret at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the milk, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the floret firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s completely coated. Place the breaded florets on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer.
Step 4: Cook Your Cauliflower (Choose Your Method!)
Now it’s time to get that cauliflower golden and crispy. You can choose from three effective methods.
Oven-Baked Method (For Extra Crispiness)
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Generously spray the florets with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer Method (Quick and Easy)
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches.
- Spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of heat.
Step 6: Coat and Serve
Once the cauliflower is cooked, let it cool for a minute or two. Then, add the crispy florets to the bowl with the bang bang sauce and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips for the Crispiest Cauliflower Every Time
- Dry it Well: Make sure your cauliflower florets are completely dry before you start breading. Water is the enemy of crispiness!
- Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, which helps create a much crispier coating.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Whether you’re baking or air frying, give the florets plenty of space. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of crisp up.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The sauce will soften the crispy coating over time, so toss and serve right away.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower: To make this recipe vegan, simply use unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or soy) for the batter and a vegan mayonnaise for the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the Spice: You have complete control over the heat. Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha for a mild kick and add more if you like it spicy.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Cauliflower
While fantastic on its own, this dish also pairs well with many things. Serve it as a main course over a bed of fluffy Garlic Parmesan Rice, stuff it into warm tortillas for delicious tacos, or add it to a fresh salad for a crispy, flavorful protein substitute.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Bang Bang Cauliflower is best eaten fresh. If you do have leftovers, store the crispy cauliflower and the sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the cauliflower in an air fryer or oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Do not microwave it unless you want it to be soggy. Once reheated, toss with the sauce and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower, use a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk in the batter and substitute the regular mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo for the sauce. The results are just as delicious.
The keys to crispy cauliflower are to make sure the florets are completely dry before breading, use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch, and cook them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides.
For the best results, store the cooked cauliflower and the bang bang sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, place the cauliflower in an oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breading soggy. Once hot, toss with the sauce and serve.
Bang bang sauce is a simple but flavorful creamy sauce. It’s made by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. A splash of fresh lime juice is often added to brighten the flavor.
Both methods work great! Baking at a high temperature (425°F) gives a fantastic, reliable crispiness, especially for larger batches. Air frying is slightly faster and can yield an even crunchier texture, but you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other favorite party starters! Our Bacon Cheeseburger Pinwheels are always a hit, and you can never go wrong with a classic batch of Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. For something a bit different, try our unique Chicken Salad Wonton Cups.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this amazing Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe! It’s a dish that never fails to impress. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share a picture of your masterpiece on Pinterest!
Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Bang Bang Cauliflower (Crispy, Baked, or Air-Fried!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Wash and thoroughly dry cauliflower, then cut into bite-sized florets.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour milk into a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs into a third.
- Dredge each floret in the flour mixture, dip in milk, then press firmly into the panko to coat completely. Place on a baking sheet.
- For Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For Air Fryer: Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Cook until golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a large bowl until smooth.
- Let the cooked cauliflower cool for a minute, then add it to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Do not overcrowd your baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Tip 3: This dish is best served immediately after tossing with the sauce.
