Get Ready for the Ultimate Crunch!
Ever stumbled upon a dish that makes your taste buds dance with joy? Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower does just that! This dish transforms humble cauliflower into crispy bites bursting with a flavorful kick. It’s an easy, quick recipe that you can whip up in no time. Plus, it won’t create a mountain of dishes in your sink. Who doesn’t love that?
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you drop everything and make this crispy delight? Here are a few reasons that might tickle your fancy:
- Easy Cleanup: Forget about scrubbing pots and pans. The air fryer does most of the work.
- Budget-Friendly: Cauliflower is usually friendly on the wallet, making this recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds when you serve them these flavor-packed bites!
These tasty morsels are bound to become a hit around the dinner table!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets, about 650g)
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (or brown rice flour)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ¾ cups seltzer water (extra cold)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 6 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if sensitive to salt)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
- 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 5 tbsp Korean Chili Paste or sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
- Toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 lime
Directions
Follow these simple steps to crispy delight:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F if baking). Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the tempura batter.
- Stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined—it should be as thick as pancake batter.
- Coat the cauliflower evenly in the tempura batter and spread it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray or brush with about 1-2 tbsp of oil.
- Air fry for 17 minutes, flipping halfway. If baking, do it for 20-22 minutes.
- For the sauce, mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl. Toss the cooked cauliflower with the sauce afterwards.
How to Make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Overview)
This recipe is a breeze! Start by prepping your cauliflower and whisking together the dry ingredients for that crispy coating. Make sure your seltzer water is super cold—trust me, it helps with the crunch. After tossing your cauliflower in the batter, pop them into the air fryer. While they’re cooking, whip up that dreamy sauce mixing all those flavorful ingredients. Toss the crispy cauliflower in the sauce when they’re done, and voilà!
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower
Now that you have your perfectly air-fried bites, it’s time to serve! Stack those crunchy cauliflower florets on a plate, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The vibrant colors are sure to win hearts! Pair with lime wedges for that zingy burst—your taste buds will be singing! 🍽️
How to Store Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower
Got leftovers? Store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, feel free to pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive that crispy texture!
Tips to Make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower
- Swap the Cauliflower: Feeling adventurous? Try this recipe with broccoli or zucchini.
- Dial up the Spice: Add more Korean chili paste if you like it hot!
- Batter Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, add a splash more of seltzer water.
- Batch Cooking: For a crowd, double the recipe and cook in batches. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Variation
Want to switch it up? Go vegan by using plant-based substitutes for the sauce ingredients, or add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes! Regular all-purpose flour works great too.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh. Seltzer loses its fizz over time, which is key for that crispy texture!
What can I dip these in?
Serve alongside a creamy dip like ranch or a tangy ponzu sauce for extra flair!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F if baking). Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the tempura batter.
- Stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined—it should be as thick as pancake batter.
- Coat the cauliflower evenly in the tempura batter and spread it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray or brush with about 1-2 tbsp of oil.
- Air fry for 17 minutes, flipping halfway. If baking, do it for 20-22 minutes.
- For the sauce, mix all remaining ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss the cooked cauliflower with the sauce afterwards.