Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe – a delightful dish that turns the humble cauliflower into a crispy, crunchy treat that your whole family will love. With its creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, it’s perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dinner to a lively potluck with friends. You’ll be wondering how you ever lived without this easy, oh-so-satisfying recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is not just a fantastic dish; it’s a game-changer in your kitchen. It’s quick to whip up, and you can enjoy that crispy perfection without the extra oil from traditional frying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.
“I made this for our Friday night movie marathon, and it was a hit! Even the kids gobbled it up!” – Happy Reader
Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly and a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies—goodbye, boring meals! Trust me, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
{image_template}
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for a delicious experience:
- 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 you can use a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or 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)
These ingredients come together beautifully, bringing flavor and fun to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into how to bring this delightful dish to life:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each floret in flour, dip them into beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the florets to ensure they stick well.
- Place the breaded cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal taste.
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with optional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily this comes together!
How to Serve Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower Recipe
Looking for ways to elevate your meal? Here are some creative ideas:
- Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a bright, crunchy complement.
- Pair it with a side of rice or quinoa to make for a heartier dish.
- For those who like a little kick, drizzle some extra hot sauce over the top or serve with a side of Sriracha.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
This dish is as versatile as your imagination!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- In the fridge: Store any leftover Bang Bang cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Place it back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to regain that crispy texture. You can also use a toaster oven for reheating.
- Freezer option: If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded cauliflower florets. Just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Make sure you enjoy every last bite!
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to help ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- If you want less breading, feel free to skip the egg wash and just use flour and panko.
- For a spicier version, try adding some cayenne pepper to the panko breadcrumbs for an added kick.
- Always shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking for even results.
- Don’t hesitate to use different vegetables. Brussels sprouts or broccoli can be right at home in this recipe too!
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Asian flair: Swap the mayo for a sesame dressing and add some toasted sesame seeds.
- Herbaceous: Mix some fresh herbs into the breading or sauce for a refreshing twist.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the cauliflower before serving for a cheesy experience without all the fuss.
Common Questions
How long does it take to make Bang Bang Cauliflower?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You’ll still get that crispiness!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Just flip them halfway through for even cooking!
No matter how you make it, enjoy the delicious crunch and creamy flavor! Your new favorite recipe is just a few steps away. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Option
Description
A delightful, crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower dish made in an air fryer, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
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 a vegan alternative)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or vegan sweetener)
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Toss the cauliflower florets with salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Dredge each floret in flour, dip them into beaten eggs, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Place the breaded cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower cooks, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once the cauliflower is done, toss it with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with optional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, consider adding cayenne pepper to the panko. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg