Name: Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets, about 650g); 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (or brown rice flour); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 ¾ cups seltzer water (extra cold); ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar); 6 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if sensitive to salt); ¼ cup light brown sugar; 3 tbsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves); 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 5 tbsp Korean Chili Paste or sauce; ¼ cup mirin; 2 tbsp cornstarch; toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil); ¼ cup chopped green onion; 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds; 1 lime

why make this recipe

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that combines healthy ingredients with bold flavors. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower, transforming it into a crispy, spicy treat. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a main course, this recipe is not only gluten-free but also caters to various dietary preferences. With the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch without the extra oil, making it a great guilt-free indulgence.

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how to make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower

Ingredients

2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets, about 650g)
1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (or brown rice flour)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 ¾ cups seltzer water (extra cold)
½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar; reduce to ¼ cup if sensitive to sweetness)
6 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if sensitive to salt)
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tbsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
5 tbsp Korean Chili Paste or sauce
¼ cup mirin
2 tbsp cornstarch
toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
¼ cup chopped green onion
1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
1 lime

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F if baking).
Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If baking, put a cooling rack on the baking sheet and place parchment on the cooling rack to help the cauliflower get crispier.
Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients for the tempura batter. Stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined. It should be thick like pancake batter. If too thin, add 1 tbsp of gluten-free flour at a time until thickened.
Coat the cauliflower evenly in the tempura batter and place it on the rack/baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Ensure the cauliflower is in a single layer and do not overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
Spray the cauliflower with cooking spray or lightly brush with 1-2 tbsp of oil. Air fry for 17 minutes, flipping halfway through. If baking, cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Prepare the sauce by mixing the remaining ingredients together.
Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce before serving.

how to serve Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower

Serve the Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower warm. You can garnish it with chopped green onions and toasted white sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy it on its own, with rice, or as part of a larger meal.

how to store Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower

To store leftovers, let the cauliflower cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain the crispiness.

tips to make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower

Ensure the seltzer water is extra cold for a light and crispy batter.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this can lead to soggy cauliflower instead of crispy.
Adjust the amount of Korean chili paste according to your spice preference.

variation

For a different flavor profile, you can experiment with other sauces like teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce. You could also add some veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, to the basket for a colorful mix.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use regular flour if you do not need a gluten-free option.

How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness depends on the amount of Korean chili paste you use. You can adjust it to make it milder or spicier.

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 425°F. Use a cooling rack on a baking sheet for the best results in crispiness.