Description
This Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe offers a deliciously crispy and spicy twist on traditional cauliflower. Lightly battered and baked or air-fried to perfection, the cauliflower florets are coated in a creamy, tangy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, this versatile recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please fans of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crispiness)
- Cooking spray (if baking)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the cauliflower cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, water, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil (if using) until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, creating a batter that will coat the cauliflower nicely.
- Batter the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid soggy pieces. Arrange the coated florets on a greased baking sheet if baking, or place them directly into the air fryer basket if using an air fryer.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Bake the cauliflower in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, turning the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy, balancing sweet and spicy flavors.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, remove it from the oven or air fryer. Gently toss the florets in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower immediately for maximum crispness. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to add a fresh, decorative touch.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your oven or air fryer model; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Adding olive oil to the batter helps increase crispiness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
