Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (218 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a cooling rack that is oven safe, you can place that over the parchment paper; it will help the cauliflower crisp up even more. However, we tested it with and without and both work. The primary difference is when not using a cooling rack, the cauliflower undersides can get a little more brown. But the easy workaround is cooking the cauliflower in the upper third of the oven to prevent the bottoms from burning.
Add cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl and season with a bit of salt and pepper (pepper optional). Toss to combine and set aside. (Reserve large mixing bowl for use later.)
Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.
Next, prepare cashew coating by adding cashews, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and arrowroot starch (or cornstarch or potato starch) to a food processor. Mix until a semi-fine meal is achieved. A little texture is okay (see photo), but you want it pretty fine so it coats the cauliflower. Transfer coating to a shallow dish (shallow enough to dip the cauliflower in) and set aside.
Dip a few cauliflower florets at a time in the eggs, ensuring all sides are well coated. Then shake off excess. Transfer the cauliflower to the cashew coating and toss until thoroughly coated, using a spoon or your hands to add more coating to any bare spots.
Transfer cauliflower to your prepared baking sheet (with or without a cooling rack). Finally, drizzle or spritz with a little avocado oil to help them crisp up (optional).
Bake for ~20 minutes or until the cauliflower appears golden brown.
In the meantime, prepare glaze. To a large saucepan, add honey and hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flake (optional). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and appears combined. Set aside.
Transfer cooked cauliflower to the large mixing bowl from earlier and top with the glaze. Gently toss to combine, then serve immediately.
Best when fresh. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F (176 C) oven until hot for best results. Not freezer friendly.
Video
Notes
*For a vegan coating, replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 cup unsweetened plain dairy-free milk (we like cashew milk) and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.