Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower
Crunchy panko-crusted cauliflower bites air-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sriracha chili sauce.
In a nutshell:This authentic asian-american crispy air fryer bang bang cauliflower comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients. The chef's secret: do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in two batches if necessary to ensure hot air circulates. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
The ultimate viral vegetarian crowd-pleaser! Tender cauliflower florets are dipped in seasoned batter, coated in crunchy Japanese panko breadcrumbs, air-fried until extra crisp, and drenched in signature creamy Bang Bang sauce with sweet chili and sriracha.
Key Equipment
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- Air fryer (or conventional oven)
- Mixing bowls
- Oil spray bottle
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Pro-Tip: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in two batches if necessary to ensure hot air circulates for maximum crunch.
- Pro-Tip: Drizzle sauce over the cauliflower just before serving to keep the panko breadcrumbs shatteringly crisp.
- Oven bake alternative: bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 20 minutes.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
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½ cup all-purpose flour, or cornstarch for gluten-free
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½ cup buttermilk, or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp kosher salt
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1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
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½ cup mayonnaise, or plain Greek yogurt
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¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
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1 ½ tbsp sriracha sauce, adjust to heat preference
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1 tbsp honey
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2 stalks green scallions, sliced, for garnish
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1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds, for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Whisk Batter & Dredge Cauliflower
In a shallow bowl, whisk flour, buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt into a smooth batter. Place panko breadcrumbs in a second bowl. Dip cauliflower florets into batter to coat, then roll in panko, pressing gently so crumbs adhere.
Air Fry Until Crunchy
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, spraying lightly with olive oil spray. Air-fry for 13 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until deeply golden and extra crispy.
Mix Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until silky and pale orange.
Toss and Garnish
Transfer crispy cauliflower to a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, garnish with green scallions and black sesame seeds, and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
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Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Swap buttermilk for unsweetened almond milk and use vegan plant-based mayonnaise.
It has a mild-to-medium sweet warmth. Reduce sriracha to 1 tsp for a milder dip, or increase to 2 tbsp for extra kick.
Pop back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore total crispiness.