Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Discover how to make crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower! This quick and easy recipe is a healthier take on a favorite appetizer, coated in a tangy, creamy sauce for the perfect bite.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is a delicious and healthier twist on a popular appetizer.

This crispy, golden-brown cauliflower is tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha for the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and heat.

Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, it’s a fantastic snack, appetizer, or side dish that’s both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

With a satisfying crunch and flavorful coating, Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or gathering.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The cauliflower is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making every bite irresistible.
• The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
• This recipe is quick and easy, taking just a fraction of the time it would in a traditional oven.
• It’s a healthier alternative to fried snacks, thanks to the air fryer method.
• The versatility of this dish makes it perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal.
• You can customize the sauce’s spice level to suit your preference, whether you like it mild or fiery!
• It’s a vegetarian and gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed

• Cauliflower: Provides a hearty, nutritious base that perfectly absorbs the flavors of the Bang Bang sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to create a subtle crust on the cauliflower, ensuring that each floret is perfectly crispy once air-fried.
• Cornstarch: Gives the cauliflower an extra crispness that holds up well under the sauce.
• Eggs: Bind the flour and cornstarch to the cauliflower.
• Milk: Adds liquidity to the batter, making it the right consistency.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Contribute to the final crispy finish that makes this dish so satisfying.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Provides the sweet and slightly spicy profile that defines Bang Bang sauce.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that complements the chili sauce’s heat.
• Hot sauce: Allows you to adjust the heat level of the sauce to your liking.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Ensure the dish is well-balanced and not overly dominated by flavor notes.
• Serving: Serve with Thai chili sauce or lime juice. 

How To Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Step One: Start by washing it and cutting it into bite-sized florets.

Step Two: Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour, the beaten eggs, and the breadcrumbs. Make sure the cauliflower pieces are well-coated at each stage for the best texture.

Step Three: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C). Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

Step Four: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust the proportions to taste, depending on how spicy or sweet you prefer your sauce. Once the cauliflower is done, toss the pieces in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free version: Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour to maintain the crispy texture.
• Keto version: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and ensure your sauce is sugar-free by using a low-carb sweet chili sauce.
• Vegan version: Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed egg or plant-based milk and ensure your sauce is made with vegan mayo and no honey.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe Tips

• Cut Even Florets: For uniform cooking, cut your cauliflower into evenly-sized florets so they cook at the same rate and become crispy all over.
• Use Parchment Paper: If you’re concerned about sticking, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent the cauliflower from sticking.
• Coat Well for Crispy Texture: Be sure to coat each cauliflower floret evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to get that perfect crispy crust. Double-dipping (coating a second time) can result in even crispier cauliflower.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake or flip the cauliflower to ensure it cooks evenly and gets golden brown on all sides.
• Adjust the Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce can be customized to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or extra hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Storing

• Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its flavor and texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, spread the cooked cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.

What To Serve With Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe Air Fryer

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a fresh side salad, like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, for a light and refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, enjoy it alongside some rice or quinoa, or even a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese. To keep things healthy, pair it with steamed vegetables or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. It also works beautifully as a side dish to grilled meats, tofu, or as part of a larger spread for game day or family gatherings.

If you are following a keto or low-carb friendly diet, you can serve these over Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles, or even over Air Fryer Butternut Squash Noodles.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe Faqs

Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower without flour? Yes, you can make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

How do I make the sauce spicier? You can increase the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to make it spicier. Adjust the level to your preference.

Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, frozen cauliflower works, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. You may need to adjust the cooking time.

How do I make this recipe vegan? To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based version and use a vegan-friendly hot sauce.

Can I prepare the cauliflower in advance? Yes, you can bread the cauliflower ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, just air fry it as per the recipe instructions.

How long does the leftover Bang Bang Cauliflower last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best crispy results.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER GARLIC BREAD
• AIR FRYER BREADED EGGPLANT
• Easy AIR FRYER IRISH SODA BREAD
• AIR FRYER PIZZA HUT BREADSTICKS

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