Prepare to revolutionize your vegetable game with the ultimate Bang Bang Cauliflower Air Fryer recipe that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers forget all about their usual go-to snacks! This mind-blowing dish transforms humble cauliflower into crispy, golden, sauce-coated bites of pure culinary magic that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just someone who loves incredibly delicious food, this Bang Bang Cauliflower is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 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
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cauliflower. Rinse the head of cauliflower under cold water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the water to the flour while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets without dripping off too much.
- In a separate bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This will be used for the crispy coating on the cauliflower.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before transferring the floret to the bowl of panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the floret with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the cauliflower florets.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the cauliflower florets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The florets should turn golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
- Once the cauliflower is done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve the crispy Bang Bang cauliflower hot, drizzled or served alongside the Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Cauliflower as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a larger meal!
Tips
- Ensure your cauliflower florets are roughly the same size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Don't skip preheating the air fryer - this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain maximum crispiness.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get evenly crisp.
- Let the florets rest for a minute or two after cooking to help the coating set and become extra crunchy.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your breadcrumb mixture.
- If you like it spicier, increase the Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to kick up the heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
