Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower (Printer-Friendly)
Crispy cauliflower bites air-fried and drizzled with creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Quick, crowd-pleasing, and fun.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cauliflower Preparation
01 -
4 cups fresh cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon paprika
05 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 -
1/2 cup buttermilk
08 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
09 -
Olive oil spray
→ Bang Bang Sauce
10 -
1/3 cup mayonnaise
11 -
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
12 -
2 teaspoons sriracha
13 -
1 tablespoon honey
14 -
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Cut cauliflower into consistent, bite-sized florets. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
02 -
Arrange three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour buttermilk into the second bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs into the third.
03 -
Dredge each floret in the seasoned flour to coat all sides, dip into buttermilk, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
04 -
Place breaded florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding by working in batches as needed.
05 -
Lightly spray tops with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
06 -
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
07 -
Drizzle sauce over hot cauliflower or serve as a dip on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
For gluten-free preparation, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with certified gluten-free alternatives.
02 -
Use tongs to keep your hands clean during breading for efficiency and minimal mess.
03 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
04 -
Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce for more or less heat.
05 -
Double the sauce batch to use as a dip for other appetizers or as a salad dressing.