Description
These Maple Sriracha Cauliflower Bites are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors wrapped around crispy air-fried cauliflower. Coated in a light cassava flour batter and tossed in a luscious maple-sriracha glaze, they make for a delicious vegan appetizer or snack with a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Batter
- 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cassava flour
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or ghee
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Make Batter: In a bowl, combine cassava flour, lime juice from 1/2 a lime, and salt. Slowly whisk in water until reaching a thin pancake batter consistency that is thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.
- Coat Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower pieces into the batter, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Air Fry First Cycle: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes until beginning to crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, melt the vegan butter or ghee in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly browned. Add the maple syrup, sriracha, and juice from the remaining 1/2 lime. Whisk and simmer on low heat for 6-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Coat and Air Fry Second Cycle: Remove cauliflower from the air fryer and toss with about 3/4 of the prepared sauce to coat evenly. Return to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (204°C) for an additional 12 minutes to caramelize and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining sauce over the cooked cauliflower bites and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions as toppings. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust water quantity in the batter to ensure proper coating consistency; it should be thick enough to stick but not runny.
- Use vegan butter for a fully vegan dish or ghee for richer flavor if not vegan.
- Serve the cauliflower bites hot for the crispiest texture.
- Feel free to adjust sriracha amount to control spiciness level according to taste preference.
- Cassava flour acts as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour for coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
