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    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

    Published: Jul 25, 2023 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe

    This Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is a healthier version of the popular restaurant dish. It's a great appetizer or side dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends! If you love cauliflower you will enjoy this air fryer cauliflower recipe!

    A large bowl of cauliflower topped with bang bang sauce.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Bang Bang Sauce
    • Storage
    • Freezer Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • This air fryer cauliflower recipe is super easy to make, and it's a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version.
    • The cauliflower is seasoned and then air-fried to perfection. It's served with a delicious bang bang sauce that is sweet, spicy, and tangy.
    • This recipe is also low-carb and gluten-free.
    • The results from air frying the cauliflower produce crispy cauliflower, every time.

    Ingredients

    Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower ingredients with text overlay.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ingredients

    • cauliflower: Use a fresh head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. If using frozen cauliflower florets, let them defrost. Wipe off any excess water before preparing for the air fryer.
    • olive oil: any favorite oil can be used, such as avocado or grapeseed.
    • salt
    • ground black pepper

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • sweet chili sauce
    • mayonnaise

    Equipment

    • Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Olive oil, salt, and pepper being poured on cauliflower.

    Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    An air fryer with cauliflower florets.

    Step 2: Place the seasoned cauliflower mixture in the air fryer basket.

    Cauliflower florets cooked in the air fryer.

    Step 3: Air fry at 400ºF for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender, stir a few times during air frying.

    Bang bang sauce being drizzled on cauliflower that was air fried.

    Step 4: Transfer cooked cauliflower from the air fryer to a serving bowl. Drizzle bang bang sauce on the cauliflower. Reserve some for dipping.

    Bang Bang Sauce

    A glass bowl with mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.

    Step 1: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise.

    A glass bowl of bang bang sauce mixed together.

    Step 2: Mix the bang bang sauce well. Ready to serve.

    Bang bang cauliflower that has been air fried being dipped into sauce.

    Storage

    Leftover cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Freezer Instructions

    The cooked cauliflower can be frozen. To freeze, place the cooked florets on a large baking sheet. Spread the florets so they are not touching.

    Place the baking tray into the freezer until the florets are frozen, about 30-40 minutes. The frozen cooked cauliflower can be then placed into freezer-safe bags or containers in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

    To cook, remove the frozen cauliflower from the freezer. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400°F and cook cauliflower until reheated about 12-15 minutes.

    Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: Frozen cauliflower can be used in this recipe, just be sure to thaw the cauliflower.

    Drain off excess water and pat the cauliflower dry with a paper towel.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is bang bang sauce made of?

    Bang bang sauce is a combination of sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise. It's sweet, spicy, and tangy - the perfect dipping sauce for this air fryer cauliflower recipe!

    Is Bang Bang and yum yum sauce the same?

    No, they are not the same. Yum yum sauce is a Japanese mayonnaise-based sauce that is used as a condiment or dipping sauce. It's similar to bang bang sauce, but it doesn't have the sweet chili sauce in it.

    How long does it take to air fry cauliflower?

    This usually takes 15-20 minutes in an air fryer.

    How to reheat bang bang cauliflower in the air fryer?

    To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400ºF for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

    Variations

    • Vegan option: use vegan mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce.
    • Spices: Add some more heat to this bang bang cauliflower recipe, by adding some siracha to the sauce.
    • Protein: Vary the protein option and use broccoli florets, boneless chicken breasts, or shrimp with the bang bang sauce.
    • Texture: If you prefer a batter on your cauliflower you can bread the florets in a cornstarch and water mixture. Another option is using Panko bread crumbs or Italian bread crumbs.
    • Spices: This recipe is made with basic ingredients for delicious results. You can increase flavor and add in other spices such as garlic powder,

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve the cauliflower recipe alongside this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf if you want a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
    • Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a fabulous main dish that would be delicious with this air fryer cauliflower.
    • Crispy Pork Chops would be the perfect pairing with Bang Bang Cauliflower.
    • Marinated Drumsticks is one of our most popular recipes and this air fryer cauliflower would be delicious as a side dish.
    • End this comforting meal with the Blueberry Cheesecake Bars, the bars are the perfect handheld dessert for any day of the week.
    • Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies would be a great dessert to serve after your meal.
    A large bowl with air fryer cauliflower topped with bang bang sauce.

    Similar recipes

    • If you love easy vegetable recipes give these Cheesy Green Beans a try next time you need a new twist on a classic side dish.
    • Roasted broccoli is simple and delicious! You won't regret giving this simple recipe a try.
    • Are you looking for an easy dinner or snack recipe that your family will love? Look no further than this Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs recipe.
    • Did you know that you can make desserts in your air fryer? These Air Fryer Oreos are a great way to enjoy this carnival favorite at home any time the craving hits.
    • Garlic Cauliflower Mash Recipe is a delicious low-carb side dish!
    • Easy Cheesy Sausage Egg Casserole is a winner of a breakfast casserole.
    • Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned with so many options.
    • Enjoy all our air fryer recipes here.

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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    Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

    Air Fryer Cauliflower

    Enjoy the most crispy, crunchy cauliflower with bang bang sauce made in the air fryer or baked. A fantastic snack or side dish that is low-carb.
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    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: air fryer cauliflower, bang bang cauliflower, cauliflower in the air fryer
    Prep Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 21 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 82kcal
    Author: Eileen Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Ingredients

    • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Bang Bang Sauce

    • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
    • ¼ cup mayonnaise

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    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Place seasoned cauliflower mixture in the air fryer basket.
    • Set the air fryer to 400ºF for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender, stir a few times during air frying.
    • Transfer cooked cauliflower from the air fryer to a serving bowl. Drizzle bang bang sauce on the cauliflower. Reserve some for dipping.

    How to make Bang Bang Sauce

    • In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
     
    Storage: Leftover cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
     
     
    I'm not a registered dietician, I do my best to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
     
    Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon.
     
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 450mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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    Thank you for sharing!

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