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Crispy non fried cauliflower bites tossed with spicy, creamy bang bang sauce served on a black dinner plate.
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4.82 from 16 votes

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Bang Bang Cauliflower make an extremely popular appetizer. Bang-bang sauce is a delectable combination of creamy, spicy and sweet chili sauce .Sautéed tender cauliflower bites are crisp coated and drizzled with this creamy, spicy yummy sauce!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Fusion
Servings: 6 pieces
Calories: 364kcal
Cost: $5

Equipment

Ingredients

Breaded Cauliflower Bites

For Bang Bang Sauce

Instructions

  • Using a knife, cut off the leaves of Cauliflower. Cut it into bite size florets.
  • To make a Bang Bang Sauce, whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  • In a bowl, mix the all purpose flour, garlic powder, onion salt baking powder and smoked paprika. Add the buttermilk and make a smooth paste / batter. It should easily coat the florets. If the batter is too thin, add more flour and if it's too thick, add more buttermilk or water. 
  • Make an assembly line with a bowl of wet mixture and bowl of panko breadcrumbs. Keep the air fryer basket nearby.
  • Start off by dipping the florets in the wet batter. Work in batches. Dredge the batter covered bites into the breadcrumbs and put onto the airfryer basket. Repeat the process for all the florets.
  • Make sure there is enough space between coated florets. You need to air circulate properly. Don't overcrowd them.
  • Pop it in the air fryer.  Choose the temperature at 350 °F (190 C) . Set the timer for 15 minutes. Mid-way through cooking, take them out, spray some oil and shake them some for even cooking.
  • Remove from the airfryer after the timer goes off. These bites should be golden brown and crispy from all sides.
  • Drizzle the sauce all over. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chives for garnish.  Serve warm and immediately with extra sauce on the side to dip. Enjoy !

If you want to make it in oven

  • Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) . Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or greased foil. Prepare the breaded bites as above. Then put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Half way through, take them out and spray some oil and flip them upside down for even baking.
  • Serving instructions remain the same as above.

Notes

To make this recipe Vegan

To replace buttermilk,  use unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk + two teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Also use vegan, plant-based mayonnaise.
To make this recipe keto friendly
Use almond flour instead of regular all purpose flour. 
To make this recipe Gluten-free
I use both all purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs that are certified Gluten-free. 
* This recipe can be made in multiples of different air fryers including Air Fryer Lid for Instant Pot 6 Qt or 8 Qt Pressure Cooker - Crunch Lid. Since brands vary in temparature settings, adjust cooking time accrodingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 5-8 nuggets | Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g