Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Bites (Oven or Air Fryer)

🥦 Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

• 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-size florets)

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

• ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)

For the Sticky BBQ Glaze

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (adds tang)

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine and richness)

For Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

• Lemon wedges

• Extra drizzle of sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Cut cauliflower into evenly sized florets (medium bite-size for best texture).

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Cornstarch

   • Garlic powder

   • Smoked paprika

   • Onion powder

   • Salt & pepper

2. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
   The batter should be thick but pourable (like pancake batter).

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Dip each floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.

2. Arrange on baking sheet without overcrowding.

3. Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

• They should be golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

👉 For extra crispiness: bake an additional 5 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Make the Sticky BBQ Sauce

While cauliflower bakes:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

   • BBQ sauce

   • Honey/maple syrup

   • Soy sauce

   • Hot sauce

   • Vinegar

   • Garlic

   • Smoked paprika

2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Stir in butter at the end for glossy finish (optional).

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Toss & Caramelize

1. Remove cauliflower from oven.

2. Toss gently in warm BBQ glaze until coated.

3. Return to baking sheet.

4. Bake again for 8–10 minutes until sticky and caramelized.

✨ Air Fryer Option

• Cook battered florets at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.

• Flip halfway.

• Toss in sauce and air fry 3–5 more minutes until sticky.

🌟 Texture Tips

• For EXTRA crunch: dip florets in batter, then coat lightly in panko before baking.

• For gluten-free: use rice flour or gluten-free flour blend.

• For spicy version: add ½ tsp cayenne to batter.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• As a party appetizer

• In tacos with slaw

• Over rice bowls

• Inside wraps

• With ranch or vegan ranch dip