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    Home ≫ Appetizers

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

    Updated January 7, 2022. Originally Posted December 9, 2021 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    a pice of cauliflower on the end of fork going into a bowl of dip
    a plate of bang bang cauliflower with orange dipping sauce
    a plate of air fried cauliflower with a dipping sauce on the side
    cooked cauliflower florets in an air fryer basket
    a plate of bang bang cauliflower with text overlay
    bang bang cauliflower on a plate with text overlay

    This Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe is not only easy to make but also delicious! Makes a great appetizer or snack when you’re craving something spicy. All you need is a head of cauliflower, some simple ingredients, and your air fryer. 

    Try my Mexican Guacamole recipe for another vegetarian appetizer.

    a plate of air fried cauliflower with a dipping sauce on the side

    Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, and as such, it contains lots of healthy nutrients. In addition, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, which means this recipe is perfect for those on a keto diet (skip the honey) and those who are sensitive to gluten.

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower, similar to cauliflower wings, is the perfect side dish for those who want something light and healthy. It's got all the flavors of classic bang bang chicken without the added calories.

    The recipe starts with a head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces, and air fried until crisp on the outside but still tender on the inside. Next, the cauliflower gets tossed in a fantastic blend of spices and dipped in a mouthwatering sauce.

    You will love how incredibly simple this recipe is, and your taste buds will thank you for making such a fantastic recipe!

    5 Reason to make this recipe

    1. Easy and quick - your air fryer will cook your bang bang cauliflower in under 15 minutes. Air Frying makes this flavorful cauliflower crispy on the outside and warm and tender on the inside. 
    2. Healthy - this is a great snack or appetizer for special diets such as vegetarian or vegan. This recipe doesn't use panko breadcrumbs so it's gluten free too.
    3. Cost-effective - a head of cauliflower can be purchased for a very low price at most grocery stores. Plus, the other ingredients needed for this recipe are probably ones you already have on hand.
    4. Versatile - you can change the spices that you coat your cauliflower in to change the flavor profile however you like it with this dish.
    5. Great with any meal - you can make this cauliflower an appetizer or side to compliment any meal. Cauliflower can go with just about anything!

    Key Ingredients

    Cauliflower - a fresh head of cauliflower cut into florets is best, but you can also use pre-cut cauliflower if that is easier.

    Garlic & onion powder - it’s best to use the powdered versions for this recipe as they help coat the cauliflower pieces for air frying. Add salt and pepper, if desired. 

    Smoked paprika - I prefer to use the smoked version of paprika for this recipe, but if you do not like the flavor of smoked, you can use regular paprika instead.

    Cornstarch - you do not want to leave out this ingredient, as coating your cauliflower with cornstarch is what makes it crispy.

    Honey - the honey gives your cauliflower a bit of sweetness to compliment the other spicier flavors. You can use agave syrup instead if you prefer. Omit for low carb or keto diets.

    Sriracha - this chili sauce is what gives your bang bang cauliflower that delicious kick. If you are worried that it will be too spicy for your taste, you can leave this out or reduce it to 2 teaspoons for a more mild version.

    Rice vinegar and sesame oil - gives this recipe that unique umami taste. Use regular or apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have on hand. 

    ingredients to make recipe

    Love healthy cauliflower recipes? Try my Asian Lettuce Wraps!

    Instructions

    Always start with clean hands, work area, and kitchen utensils.

    Step One: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce ingredients together and set aside. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. While the air fryer is preheating, cut the cauliflower into florets. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels. 

    • an orange sauce in a bowl
      Mix Bang Bang Sauce together
    • cauliflower florets in a bowl.
      Pat florets dry.

    Step Two: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the dried cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with oil. Sprinkle the seasoning over cauliflower and mix to coat each piece. Then, sprinkle with cornstarch, tossing to evenly coat. 

    • cauliflower florets with seasoning
      Add seasoning.
    • cauliflower florets with seasoning and cornstarch sprinkled over
      Sprinkle with cornstarch.

    Step 3: Add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 390 degrees F for about 12 minutes, shaking every 3 to 5 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary. While cauliflower is cooking, mix honey, sriracha (if using) rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

    • seasoned cauliflower florets in an air fryer basket
      Place in a single layer.
    • cooked cauliflower florets in an air fryer basket
      Cook for about 12 minutes.

    Step 4: When cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a medium bowl. Toss with honey mixture. Return cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for 1 or 2 more minutes more, being sure it doesn't burn. Serve immediately with Bang Band Dipping Sauce.

    • mixing cauliflower in a sauce
      Mix with honey mixture.
    • a plate of air fried cauliflower with a dipping sauce on the side
      Air fry until crisp and serve!

    Top tips

    • Don’t overcrowd the basket. Try to keep each cauliflower floret from touching in the air fryer.
    • Add some parmesan cheese to the tops of your florets before air frying for a delicious cheesy flavor.
    • Buy pre-cut cauliflower florets for quicker prep.
    • Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your taste preference.
    • Keep a close eye on the cauliflower so it doesn't burn.
    • Dip in sweet chili sauce if you want a lighter dipping sauce.

    I use the Cosori XL for all my air fryer recipes. It's perfect for 4 to 6 people. You may also like this one that's also a toaster oven, or this smaller one from Dash perfect for 2 people.

    How to serve bang bang cauliflower

    Eat it for a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch. Eat it plain, with sweet chili sauce, or even my homemade ranch dressing. 

    Throw these on top of a salad for a flavorful crunch instead of croutons.

    Serve over zoodles with some grated parmesan cheese for a yummy low-carb dinner.

    Storage

    Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. These are my favorite storage container because they are freezer and microwave safe!

    Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

    Reheating

    To reheat from refrigerated: microwave desired amount until heated through. Be sure to cover the container to keep the moisture in.

    Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes.

    Air fry at 325 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes.

    To reheat from frozen: Bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 15 to 18 minutes.

    Air fry at 380 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. 

    Times will vary, so always check food to be sure it doesn't overcook.

    Most asked questions

    Is air fryer healthier than deep frying?

    Yes, it typically is as you do not need to use extra oil or other fat to "fry" food in an air fryer. You can have ultra-crispy food without all of the added fat and cholesterol when air frying.

    Is Bang Bang Cauliflower keto?

    In most keto diets, cornstarch and honey is forbidden as it does contain quite a bit of carbs. Skip these ingredients to enjoy a low carb treat!

    More air fryer recipes

    Juicy Whole Chicken

    Chicken Wings - Fresh and Frozen

    Baked Potatoes

    a pice of cauliflower on the end of fork going into a bowl of dip

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    a plate of bang bang cauliflower with orange dipping sauce

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    This Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe is not only easy to make but also delicious! Makes a great appetizer or snack when you’re craving something spicy. All you need is a head of cauliflower, some simple ingredients, and your air fryer.
    4.54 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American, Asian
    Servings 4
    Calories 160 kcal

    Equipment

    Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     
     

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • ⅓ cup mayo regular or vegan
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha or another chili paste like sambal oelek, more to taste
    • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, more to taste

    For the cauliflower

    • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil or another mild flavored oil
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • ¼ cup honey
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha; reduce to 2 teaspoons for a mild version
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • Mix mayo, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside while preparing the rest of the recipe.

    To make cauliflower:

    • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
    • Cut cauliflower into florets. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
    • In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Add dried cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with oil. Sprinkle seasoning over cauliflower and mix to coat each piece. Then, sprinkle with cornstarch, tossing to evenly coat.
    • Add cauliflower to the air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook at 390 degrees F for about 12 minutes, shaking every 3 to 5 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary.
    • While cauliflower is cooking, mix honey, sriracha (if using) rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
    • When cauliflower is cooked, remove from the air fryer and place in a medium bowl. Pour honey mixture over and toss to coat evenly. Return cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for 1 or 2 more minutes more.
    • Serve immediately with Bang Band Dipping Sauce.

    Notes

    Nutritional estimation doesn't include Bang Bang Sauce.
    Buy pre cut cauliflower florets for a quicker prep.
    Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your taste preference.
    Omit honey for low carb or keto diets.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4gCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 336mgPotassium: 457mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword bang bang chicken,, cauliflower wings, Healthy, keto, low carb breakfast
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tracy

      August 11, 2022 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious. My whole family loved it. I’ll definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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