Description
Looking for an easy dinner, healthy snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer? This Air-Fried Korean Cauliflower with Sticky Gochujang Sauce is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory Korean-inspired glaze. It’s a fantastic vegetarian meal, quick dinner idea, or party appetizer that’s packed with bold flavor while using the air fryer for a lighter finish.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower
- 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
For the Tempura Batter
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend or brown rice flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1¾ cups extra-cold seltzer water
For the Sauce
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 5 tablespoons gochujang
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets.
- Whisk together the batter ingredients and stir in the cold seltzer water until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter.
- Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan and cook until thick and glossy.
- Toss the crispy cauliflower in the warm sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use ice-cold seltzer water for the crispiest batter.
- Cook the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Toss with the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
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