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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Bites

crispy air fryer bang bang cauliflower bites - featured image

A quick and easy snack featuring crispy air-fried cauliflower bites coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for parties or casual snacking with less oil and fewer calories than traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup water (180ml) (can substitute with sparkling water)
  • Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120g)
  • 3 tbsp sriracha or sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Rinse and thoroughly dry 1 medium head of cauliflower. Cut into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1½ inches each.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Gradually add ¾ cup water while whisking until smooth and pancake-batter-like consistency is achieved.
  4. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated. Shake off excess batter to avoid clumps.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. Place battered cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp sriracha or sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and ½ tsp garlic powder until smooth.
  9. Once cauliflower is done, immediately toss in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot.
  10. Optional: For extra crunch, air fry coated bites for 2 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to caramelize the sauce.

Notes

Dry cauliflower thoroughly before battering to prevent sogginess. Use cornstarch with flour for extra crispiness. Flip halfway through air frying for even cooking. Sauce can be adjusted for spice level. Serve immediately for best crunch. Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower bites, air fryer, bang bang sauce, crispy snack, healthy snack, vegetarian, easy recipe