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Crispy and golden air fryer cauliflower nuggets, a delicious vegan alternative to chicken
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Emma Lawson | 
04.06.2025

Air Fryer Cauliflower Nuggets: Vegan Chicken Alternative

These crispy cauliflower nuggets are the perfect vegan chicken alternative — crunchy, satisfying, and air fried to perfection with no oil.

Prep Time

10m

Total Time

12m

Cook

22m

Yield

2 servings
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Vegan

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Vegetables

Ingredients for Cauliflower Nuggets

Crispy, crunchy, completely vegan

  • 1 small head cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or spray
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Serve With

  • Hot sauce or tahini dip
  • Chopped herbs
  • Lemon wedges

Get Extra Crunch

Use panko breadcrumbs for even more crunch. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for colour.

How to Make Cauliflower Nuggets in the Air Fryer

These are the crispiest cauliflower bites you’ll make.

  1. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  2. Toss with cornstarch, oil, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 200°C.
  4. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking once.
  5. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Make Them Golden

  • Use spray oil after shaking halfway
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket
  • Serve immediately for best texture
Close-up view of perfectly cooked air fryer cauliflower nuggets, a tasty vegan dish

Cauliflower Nugget Nutrition

Calories: 220 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 14g

Great Pairings

  • Serve with vegan ranch or tahini dip
  • Add to a wrap or salad
  • Pair with sweet potato fries

Final Thoughts on Vegan Nuggets

These air fryer cauliflower nuggets prove that meat-free doesn’t mean flavour-free. With a crispy shell and satisfying bite, they’re the perfect vegan substitute for chicken nuggets — no oil required.

Explore other Recipes below!

Cauliflower Nugget FAQs

What coating makes them crispy?

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A light mix of cornstarch and breadcrumbs gives the best crunch without oil.

Can I bake these instead?

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Yes — bake at 220°C for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

How long do they stay crispy?

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They’re best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer to bring back the crisp.

Any sauce recommendations?

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Serve with BBQ, ranch, or spicy mayo.