Ingredients
Cauliflower Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or use a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for a vegan version)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or a vegan sweetener)
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, do so according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with salt and pepper to taste. This seasons the florets, enhancing their natural flavor before breading.
- Bread the Cauliflower: Dredge each cauliflower floret first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the florets to ensure they stick well and form a crispy coating.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to work in batches for even cooking. Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl. Mix well and adjust the seasoning or spice level according to your taste preferences.
- Coat cauliflower with sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the Bang Bang sauce until each floret is well coated. This gives them the signature spicy-sweet flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- To make vegan, substitute eggs with a plant-based egg alternative, use vegan mayo, and replace honey with agave or maple syrup.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the cauliflower crispy.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve as a snack, appetizer, or side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free