Description
A healthier twist on a cherished family favorite, these air-fried cauliflower bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (adjust according to heat preference)
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- Toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil (for spraying)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 lime (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F if baking).
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets, about bite-sized, to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gradually stir in the cold seltzer water until the batter resembles a thick pancake batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to coat them evenly, and place in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the cauliflower pieces with cooking spray or brush with oil. Air fry for 17 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake for 20-22 minutes, also flipping halfway.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil, Korean chili paste, and mirin. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, toss it in the sauce until well coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
Ensure your cauliflower is fresh for superior flavor. Use extra cold seltzer water for a crisp batter.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air-Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Korean cuisine, air-fried snacks, cauliflower recipes, vegan snacks, gluten-free recipes
