Crispy Vegetarian Cauliflower Nuggets
These golden, crispy cauliflower nuggets are baked or air-fried to perfection—savory, crunchy, and 100% plant-based comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (oven) or 15–17 minutes (air fryer)
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 (as appetizer or side)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American, Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into bite-sized florets
Olive oil spray or neutral cooking spray
Dry Coating (Bowl 1):
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Wet Batter (Bowl 2):
1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Panko Coating (Bowl 3):
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash and dry cauliflower thoroughly.
Cut into uniform bite-sized florets (1.5–2 inches).
3. Set Up Breading Station
Bowl 1 (Dry Mix): Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2 (Wet Mix): Combine plant-based milk with vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
Bowl 3 (Panko Mix): Combine panko with spices and mix evenly.
4. Bread the Cauliflower
Dredge each floret in the flour mixture, shake off excess.
Dip into the vegan buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
Press into the panko mix to coat thoroughly.
Place on baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
5. Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method:
Spray tops with olive oil.
Bake 15 minutes, flip, spray again, and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
Spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Flip or shake, air fry 5–7 minutes more until golden and crisp.
6. Serve
Serve hot with dipping sauces (vegan ranch, BBQ, chipotle mayo, etc.).
Notes
Don’t skip the panko – it’s the secret to that amazing crunch!
Keep florets spaced out during cooking to ensure crispiness.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne or chipotle powder to the coating.
Great for meal prep—reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispness.
Kid-friendly and perfect for serving with dipping sauces at parties or game day.
