Description
Crispy, spicy, and creamy baked cauliflower bites coated in almond flour and tossed in a homemade Bang Bang sauce. This low-carb, keto-friendly appetizer is ready in just 20 minutes and offers a guilt-free alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2–2.5 pounds), cut into 1.5-inch florets
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise (full-fat or vegan)
- 3–4 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and thoroughly dry cauliflower florets to ensure crispiness.
- In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with avocado oil until lightly coated.
- Add the almond flour mixture to the cauliflower and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in a thin layer.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch to prevent steaming.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until edges are golden brown and crispy.
- While cauliflower bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes to help the coating set.
- In a large bowl, toss the hot cauliflower with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Ensure cauliflower is completely dry before coating to prevent sogginess. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to maintain a single layer. For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and maple syrup. For a nut-free option, substitute almond flour with crushed pork rinds. Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 12
Keywords: low-carb, keto, bang bang cauliflower, cauliflower bites, healthy appetizer, spicy snack, almond flour, baked cauliflower, gluten-free