Crispy Cauliflower Sliders

Are you craving Chik-fi-la but know it’s not healthy? Let me introduce you to cauliflower sliders!

With the right sauce and the right batter, cauliflower sliders can taste remarkably like a crispy chicken sandwich. You won’t miss the saturated fat and you’ll only eat about 100 calories. How’s that for awesome?

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Crispy Cauliflower Sliders

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Cauliflower Patty

• 1 medium head cauliflower cut into slices or patties
• 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or oat milk
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup whole wheat
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne optional

Tangy Sauce

• ½ cup raw cashews soaked in hot water 20 min or ¾ cup cooked northern beans
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ –⅓ cup water as needed
• Pinch salt as desired

For Assembly

• 4 whole wheat sandwich buns
• Dill pickle slices
• Crisp lettuce
• Tomato slices

Method

 

1. Directions

   Prep the “buttermilk”:

   Mix soy milk with vinegar, let sit 5 minutes.

   Set up breading station:

   Bowl 1: flour + cornstarch + smoked paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + salt + pepper.

   Bowl 2: buttermilk.

   Bowl 3: panko breadcrumbs.

   Coat cauliflower patties:

   Dip each patty → flour → buttermilk → flour again → press into panko for extra crunch.

   Bake or Air Fry:

   In the oven, preheat to 425 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a bit of extra crunch, broil patties at the end for 2-3 minutes.

   In the air fryer, 390 degrees F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

   Make the sauce:

   Drain cashews (or use beans). Blend all sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender until creamy and thick. Adjust with water for desired consistency.

   Assemble sandwiches:

   Toast buns, spread sauce generously, add crispy cauliflower patty, and top with pickles (plus lettuce/tomato if you like).

   Notes:

   Cashew-based sauce = creamy and rich.

   Bean-based sauce = lighter, higher fiber, oil-free.

   Sauce keeps 4–5 days in the fridge.