Imagine a dish that transforms the humble cauliflower into a crispy, spicy sensation that'll make you forget you're even eating a vegetable! Our Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect crunch of panko breadcrumbs with a tantalizing sweet and spicy sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for more. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just someone who loves mind-blowing appetizers, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing thoroughly and cutting into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for consistent cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour and water until a smooth, thin batter forms without any lumps. Season the batter with a pinch of salt.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish, spreading them out evenly for easy coating.
- Dip each cauliflower floret first into the flour batter, ensuring complete and even coverage, then roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- While cauliflower cooks, prepare bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Once cauliflower is golden brown and crispy, remove from air fryer and immediately drizzle with prepared bang bang sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Batter Technique: Whisk your flour and water mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps, which can create uneven coating.
- Breadcrumb Pressing: When coating florets in panko, press gently but firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere completely.
- Don't Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if needed to maintain proper air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Sauce Timing: Drizzle the bang bang sauce just before serving to keep the cauliflower crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Temperature Tip: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to exactly 400°F for the perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Optional Heat: Adjust sriracha to your spice preference—more for heat lovers, less for mild palates.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
