Bang Bang Cauliflower (So Crispy!)

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Cauliflower is so versatile and can be eaten in so many different ways, which is why it is one of my favorite vegetables. If you like my cauliflower, try my recipe for breaded cauliflower cooked in the air fryer for that crispy exterior without all that oil. Then serve it with a tangy, sweet, creamy bang bang sauce and you will be going for seconds! Plus, this is a great way to intake the recommended daily amount of vegetables too.

What is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, slightly spicy sauce typically made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha. It is the perfect dip to serve with any vegetable, especially these crispy cauliflowers!

Why you’ll love this recipe

I’ll give you five reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

1. Crispy Texture – The cauliflower is coated in a crispy batter and then baked or fried until golden brown. This creates a satisfying crunch with every bite, similar to fried chicken.
2. Flavorful Sauce – The “bang bang” sauce, typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, adds a burst of flavor to the cauliflower. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
3. Versatility – Bang Bang Cauliflower can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. It’s versatile enough to be served on its own, with rice, or as a topping for salads or tacos.
4. Health Benefits –  Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By using cauliflower instead of meat, Bang Bang Cauliflower offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
5. Crowd Pleaser – Whether you’re serving it at a party, family dinner, or just for yourself, Bang Bang Cauliflower is sure to be a hit. Its crispy exterior, flavorful sauce, and addictive taste appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients
  • Cauliflower – This is the star of the dish, offering a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the crispy coating and tangy sauce. It also has a great texture that holds up well to air frying.
  • All-Purpose Flour and Milk – The flour and milk create a batter that helps adhere the seasoning and breadcrumbs to the cauliflower florets, ensuring a crispy and flavorful coating.
  • Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Powder – These spices add a delicious combination of savory, smoky, and spicy flavors to the cauliflower, elevating its taste profile and providing a depth of flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper – Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the overall taste of the cauliflower, bringing out its natural flavors and balancing the spices.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs – Create a crunchy and crispy coating when air-fried, adding texture and depth to the dish.
  • Oil – Using spray oil helps to evenly coat the cauliflower florets before air frying, ensuring they become golden brown and crispy.
• Bang Bang Sauce
  • Kewpie Mayo – Japanese-style mayonnaise that is creamier and slightly sweeter than traditional mayo. Its rich and velvety texture serves as the base of the sauce, providing a smooth and indulgent texture.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds sweetness, tanginess, and a mild heat to the sauce. It contributes depth of flavor and balances the richness of the mayo, creating a harmonious sweet and savory profile.
  • Sriracha Sauce – Brings a kick of heat and a bold, garlicky flavor to the sauce. It adds depth and complexity, enhancing the overall taste with its spicy and tangy notes.
  • Honey – Provides natural sweetness to the sauce, complementing the other ingredients and balancing the heat from the sriracha. It adds a subtle floral aroma and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar – Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce, brightening the taste and cutting through the richness of the mayo. It contributes acidity and depth, enhancing the overall balance of flavors.
  • Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the sweetness and acidity of the sauce. It provides depth and complexity, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying taste.

How to Make Bang Bang Cauliflower

1. Wash cauliflower and cut florets into equal sizes. Dry with paper towel
2. In a bowl, combine flour, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne powder and 1/2 tsp salt together and mix until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Add cauliflower to batter and coat evenly
3. Add 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper to bread crumbs then coat cauliflower in panko bread crumbs ensuring it is coated all over.
4. Pre-heat air fryer for a few mins. Add battered cauliflower to basket, making sure you don’t overcrowd so it can crisp evenly. Spray cauliflower with some oil.
5. Air fry at 400F for 13-15 mins, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. While cauliflower is cooking, combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and honey together for the bang bang sauce
7. When cauliflower is done, coat cauliflower with bang bang sauce or serve as a dipping sauce.

Storage

Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower immediately while it’s still hot and crispy for the best taste and texture. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.