Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

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Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Some days, all you want is a snack that’s just as comforting as it is exciting — and that’s exactly what brought this Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower into our kitchen. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t always the biggest cauliflower fan. It wasn’t until I had a crispy, flavorful version at a restaurant that I thought, “Maybe cauliflower just needs a little love.” Fast forward a few experiments later, and this recipe has become an absolute staple in our home.

What I love most is how deceptively simple it is. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you get crispy, golden cauliflower bites with a slight crunch outside and a tender center — all tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce that’s positively addictive. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables.

Whenever I make a batch, my kids hover around the kitchen, sneaking pieces before I even have a chance to plate them up. And my husband, who is typically a meat-and-potatoes guy, is just as hooked. It’s perfect for after-school snacks, game day appetizers, or even a quick side dish for dinner. If you’re looking for something that satisfies cravings without the guilt, I can’t recommend this enough. Every time we have friends over, I make a double batch — and it still disappears faster than anything else on the table.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake the cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Is Bang Bang sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from the sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less depending on your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and make sure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free too.

What can I substitute for mayo in the sauce?
Greek yogurt works great as a lighter substitute, or you can use a vegan mayo if you’re keeping it plant-based.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

What You Need to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Ingredients:

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)

Olive oil spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

Special Tools:

Air fryer

Mixing bowls

Whisk

Small bowl for sauce

Tongs or a fork for coating

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Prep the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, trying to keep the pieces fairly uniform for even cooking.

Set up your dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, pour the buttermilk. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Coat the cauliflower: Dip each floret first in the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally into the panko, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.

Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary.

Air fry: Lightly spray the florets with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Make the sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.

Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy cauliflower or serve it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower

Don’t skip the oil spray! It helps the coating get that beautiful, even golden crisp.

Adjust the heat: Like it spicier? Add an extra squirt of sriracha to the sauce.

Make ahead: You can bread the cauliflower a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until ready to air fry.

Double the sauce: If your family is anything like mine, you’ll want extra for dipping everything on your plate.

Batch cooking: Air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding — this ensures each piece gets perfectly crispy.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So good and so easy! My kids asked for seconds — and they never ask for more cauliflower!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The sauce is amazing! I’ve made this three times already. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the texture and flavor, but I’ll add more sriracha next time for a bigger kick.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free. What more could you ask for? Definitely a new family favorite.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce and it was still delicious! Thanks for the tip!”

Printable Recipe

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