Description
This Air Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthier twist on a classic Korean appetizer. Crispy cauliflower florets are coated in a light, gluten-free batter and air fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a flavorful, sweet, and spicy Korean-inspired sauce. Perfectly vegan and bursting with bold flavors, this dish makes for an irresistible appetizer or snack in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Batter
- 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ¾ cups extra cold seltzer water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Sauce
- ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Rinse cauliflower florets thoroughly and dry them completely to ensure the batter sticks properly and fries evenly.
- Make Dry Batter Mix: In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the extra cold seltzer water and apple cider vinegar, then gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to preheat. This ensures the cauliflower crisps perfectly once coated.
- Coat and Air Fry Cauliflower: Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter until fully coated. Place the coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even browning, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Korean Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, heat toasted sesame oil in a skillet. Sauté minced garlic and fresh ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce, maple syrup or agave nectar, and light brown sugar to the skillet. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tbsp cornstarch with an equal amount of water, and stir it into the sauce to thicken it over medium heat.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the warm Korean sauce until fully coated.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sauced cauliflower right away to enjoy the crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before dipping it in the batter to achieve crispiness.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding gochujang or chili flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free if using the appropriate flour blend.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying maple syrup and soy sauce quantities according to taste.
- Shaking the air fryer basket during cooking helps cook the cauliflower evenly and enhances crispiness.
