Vegan Baked Sweet Chili Thai Cauliflower Bites

These Vegan Baked Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites are the perfect appetizer to bring to your next party. They’re made with cauliflower pieces, tempura batter, and a homemade sweet chili sauce.

Looking for a tasty and satisfying vegan appetizer or snack that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than these irresistible vegan baked sweet chili cauliflower bites! 

This recipe combines the natural goodness of cauliflower with a tantalizing sweet and spicy chili glaze that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night at home, or simply craving a delicious plant-based treat, these cauliflower bites are sure to become a favorite in your household. 

Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable creation! These cauliflower wings are perfect for game day, potlucks, summer barbecue parties, or whenever you just feel like some good old comfort food that won’t leave you feeling like garbage.

If you like easy appetizers you may also want to try my Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries or my Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE VEGAN BAKED SWEET CHILI CAULIFLOWER BITES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these sweet chili cauliflower wings (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Head of cauliflower – cut up into cauliflower florets
• Unsweetened almond milk – or plant milk of choice.
• Chickpea flour – can use gluten-free flour of choice.
• Water
• Panko bread crumbs – this will make the bread crumb mixture.
• Sea salt + black pepper
• Avocado oil
• Garlic cloves – or garlic powder.
• Thai sweet chili sauce – or can make homemade sauce with maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, 
• Ginger powder – or fresh ginger.
• Cornstarch
• Optional – green onions, cayenne pepper, onion powder, lime juice, etc

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Make the cauliflower wings: Chop up cauliflower into bite sized florets.
3. In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, almond milk, water, salt and pepper.
4. Dip the cauliflower pieces into the batter, allowing the excess batter to drip off, then dip each piece of cauliflower into the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place florets on about 1 inch apart. Bake for 45-50 minutes, rotating the florets half way through.
6. Make the thai sweet chili sauce: Heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add in sweet chili sauce and ginger. In a separate small bowl combine the cornstarch and water, then pour into sweet chili mixture to thicken! Cook over low heat for 1-2 more minutes.
7. Remove florets from the oven. 
8. Once the cauliflower is cooked, pour the sweet chili sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat using tongs. Using all the sauce will make the wings very SAUCY, but I like my wings covered in sauce! Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onion, and serve immediately!
9. OPTIONAL: After cauliflower wings are baked, heat 1/3 cup avocado oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Work in bunches, making sure not to overcrowd the cauliflower, fry until golden brown on all sides, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step is optional, but will really crisp the cauliflower wings up!

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE OTHER FLOURS IN THIS RECIPE?

All-purpose flour can be substituted 1:1. So if you are not celiac or gluten-free, all-purpose works perfectly in this recipe! I have not tried with Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 flour, but I imagine that would also work!

DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENJOY THE CAULIFLOWER WINGS RECIPE

1. Appetizer: Serve the cauliflower bites on a platter with toothpicks or skewers, accompanied by a dipping sauce such as vegan ranch dressing, vegan sriracha mayo, or a tangy lime-cilantro dip. This makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.

2. Snack: Keep a batch of these cauliflower bites in the fridge for a quick and satisfying snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite vegan dip or sauce.

3. Bowl Meal: Create a hearty bowl meal by serving the cauliflower bites over a bed of cooked grains like brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. Add some steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots, and drizzle with additional sweet chili glaze or a tangy sauce of your choice.

4. Wrap, Sandwich or Cauliflower Tacos: Stuff the cauliflower bites into a wrap or sandwich for a delicious and portable meal. Add some fresh greens, sliced avocado, and a dollop of vegan mayo or tahini sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.

5. Salad Topping: Sprinkle the baked cauliflower bites on top of your favorite salad for added texture and a burst of flavor. They can be a tasty alternative to croutons or fried toppings.

6. Side Dish: Serve the cauliflower bites as a flavorful side dish alongside other vegan dishes, such as stir-fried tofu, roasted vegetables, or a grain-based pilaf. They make a great addition to any meal.

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE OTHER MILKS IN THIS RECIPE?

Yes, any other nut milks would work just fine, just keep in mind it may change the flavour slightly! You can also use regular milk if you’re not vegan or dairy-free!

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE IN THE AIR FRYER?

Yes, if you prefer to cut down on bake time then using the air fryer is a great idea. 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. 

Follow all the same directions then place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.

These vegan baked sweet chili cauliflower bites are a true delight for your taste buds. The crispy cauliflower paired with the sweet and spicy glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. 

Whether you’re a vegan, a cauliflower enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys good food, this recipe is a must-try. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering bites that will leave you craving more!

Other Gluten Free Recipes You May Like To Try

• Roasted Garlic + Dill mashed cauliflower 
• 30 Low Carb Air Fryer Recipes
• Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
• Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Vegan & Gluten Free)
• Cauliflower Gnocchi

 

IF YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails