These Dynamite Cauliflower Bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side for dinner. Inspired by the viral restaurant-style “dynamite” dishes, this recipe keeps the cauliflower tender on the inside and golden-crispy on the outside. Plus, it’s easy to make at home and perfect for meal prep, you can even freeze the coated florets and fry them later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super crispy bites with minimal oil splatter
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Quick and easy to make with ingredients you likely have
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Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun weeknight dinner
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Can be made vegan by using plant-based mayo in the sauce
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tsp paprika
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2 tsp salt
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp white butter, softened (or use oil for vegan)
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1/4 cup sparkling water
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1/4 cup water
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1 small–medium cauliflower, cut into florets
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1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
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Oil for frying
For the Dynamite Sauce:
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
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Wash and cut the cauliflower into small florets. Pat dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Make the Batter
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In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and softened butter.
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Gradually whisk in the sparkling water and regular water until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumbs
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Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow tray.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
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Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
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Roll the coated floret in panko breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
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Place on a plate or tray.
Step 5: Fry the Cauliflower
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Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (enough to shallow fry).
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Fry the coated florets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Make the Dynamite Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
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Drizzle the dynamite sauce over the fried cauliflower bites, or serve on the side for dipping.
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Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying it?
A. Yes! Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, lightly oil it, and place the coated florets on the tray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Baking gives a slightly lighter texture but still keeps them crunchy.
Q. Can I make this recipe spicy?
A. Absolutely! Add 1–2 tsp sriracha, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the batter or mix into the dynamite sauce for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste.
Q. What can I use if I don’t have sweet chilli sauce at home?
A. You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup with 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
Q. Can I make this vegan?
A. Yes! Use plant-based mayonnaise and replace white butter with oil or vegan butter. The batter and breadcrumbs are already plant-friendly.
Q. Can I make these in advance?
A. Yes! Coat the cauliflower in batter and panko, then freeze on a tray. When ready to serve, fry straight from frozen for the best results.
Dynamite Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white butter softened (or use oil for vegan)
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 small–medium cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
For the Dynamite Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into small florets. Pat dry thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and softened butter.
- Gradually whisk in the sparkling water and regular water until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
- Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow tray.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off.
- Roll the coated floret in panko breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
- Place on a plate or tray.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (enough to shallow fry).
- Fry the coated florets in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sweet chilli sauce until smooth.
- Drizzle the dynamite sauce over the fried cauliflower bites, or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.
