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This crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower turns humble cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing hero. What started as my attempt to recreate a restaurant favorite quickly became a regular request in my house. Every bite is crunchy and coated in that creamy bold bang bang sauce which makes even the most veggie-shy eaters come back for seconds. It is my answer to fast flavorful snacks on busy nights and it doubles as a showstopper appetizer for parties all while being easy to adapt for every diet.
I first whipped this up on a whim for an after-school snack and my kids immediately fought for the last piece. It is now our go-to snack for everything from family game night to casual dinners.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets: fresh and firm makes the crispiest bites pick heads with tight white clusters for top quality
- All-purpose flour: this helps coatings stick and crisps up perfectly when air fried store in a cool dry spot for longest freshness
- Panko breadcrumbs: essential for extra crunch use Japanese style for that signature airy texture
- Garlic powder: adds rich savoriness check that your powder is fresh and fragrant not clumpy
- Paprika: offers warm subtle smokiness try Spanish smoked paprika for deeper flavor
- Salt and pepper: ties all flavors together opt for sea salt for cleaner taste
- Buttermilk: tenderizes and lets the breading grip well choose one with live cultures for best results
- Olive oil spray: for crisping without frying use a pump sprayer for best control
- For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: gives a creamy rich base always use real full-fat for best taste
- Sweet chili sauce: delivers the classic sweet tang seek out Asian brands for authentic flavor
- Sriracha: brings a gentle heat adjust for your preferred spice level
- Honey: balances the sauce with mellow sweetness local raw honey adds extra complexity
- Lime juice: wakes up the sauce with bright fresh zip pick limes that feel heavy for their size
Instructions
- Prep The Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into small even florets. Pat them dry very well to help the coating stick and avoid soggy results.
- Make The Dredging Station:
- Set out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl combine flour garlic powder paprika salt and pepper. In the second bowl pour in the buttermilk. In the third bowl add panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread The Cauliflower:
- Take one floret and dip into the flour mixture until coated on all sides. Transfer to the buttermilk next flipping to cover every surface generously. Last press into the panko breadcrumbs rolling to coat thoroughly then set aside on a clean plate.
- Load The Air Fryer:
- Arrange breaded florets in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each piece so air circulates and crisps all sides evenly. Work in batches if your air fryer is small.
- Cook Until Crispy:
- Spray the florets with olive oil for maximum crunch. Air fry at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for twelve to fifteen minutes shaking the basket halfway. The cauliflower should turn golden brown and feel crisp when done.
- Mix The Sauce:
- While cauliflower cooks stir mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and lime juice together until completely smooth and pale orange.
- Serve And Enjoy:
- Drizzle bang bang sauce all over the hot crispy cauliflower or serve it in a bowl for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions if you like for color and a burst of flavor.
My absolute favorite part is mixing up the bang bang sauce. The combo of sweet chili sauce with tangy lime always makes me want to sneak a taste before the cauliflower is done. One night I made it for friends during a game night and everyone was asking for the recipe before the bowl was empty.
Storage Tips
Store extra cauliflower in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge. To keep them crisp bring back to the air fryer for a few minutes rather than microwaving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Need gluten free or dairy free switch in one to one gluten free flour and panko gluten free options are widely available. For dairy free swap buttermilk with oat milk mixed with a splash of vinegar and use plant based mayo.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Cauliflower is delicious as a party appetizer dipped in sauce or as a crunchy side for grilled protein mains. It even shines packed into wraps or tossed on a big salad with extra sauce as dressing.
Cultural Context
Bang bang sauce is a modern classic combining Asian and American flavors and first got popular at restaurants like Bonefish Grill. The name is about the bold flavor explosion not the spice so anyone can enjoy it their own way.
Seasonal Adaptations
Make this summer friendly by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro before serving In fall pair the cauliflower with a creamy pumpkin soup for cozy balance For winter try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or scallions for warmth and crunch
Success Stories
I once made this for a kids’ birthday party and the plate was empty before I finished setting up the snack table. A friend asked for the instructions before finishing her second helping. Now I always double the recipe for a group.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze breaded uncooked florets on a tray then transfer to a zip top bag once solid. Cook straight from frozen at three seventy five degrees Fahrenheit adding a few minutes to the air fryer time.
This recipe is a delicious way to get even picky eaters loving cauliflower. Make a double batch and watch how fast it disappears at your next party.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How can I achieve extra-crispy cauliflower in the air fryer?
Make sure to dry florets thoroughly before breading and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Use a light spray of oil for even crispiness.
- → Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crunchy and golden.
- → Is the bang bang sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a mild kick from sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice by using more or less chili sauce to taste.
- → How do I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and swap buttermilk/mayo for plant-based options to suit your dietary needs.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Serve with extra sauce as a dip, add to wraps or salads, or pair as a crunchy side with your favorite mains.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 375°F to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.