Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that brings together crispiness and bold flavors. Perfect for party appetizers, family dinners, or meal prep, this vegan-friendly recipe will impress everyone at the table. The unique combination of gochujang sauce adds an irresistible spicy kick, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The sticky gochujang sauce delivers a complex blend of sweet and spicy, tantalizing your taste buds.
• Crispy Texture: Air frying gives the cauliflower a perfect crunch without excess oil, keeping it light and healthy.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course paired with rice.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe caters to various dietary needs, making it suitable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool allows you to achieve a crispy texture with less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment in the air fryer prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

This Korean Chili Cauliflower is tender, crispy, and coated in a sticky, spicy gochujang sauce. Baked or air-fried, it’s a flavorful vegan-friendly dish you’ll love!

For the Cauliflower

• 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)

For the Sauce

• 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

For Coating and Garnish

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 lime

How to Make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Appliance

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or your oven to 425°F if baking). This ensures even cooking from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Air Fryer Pan

Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If you’re baking, place a cooling rack on the baking sheet followed by parchment on top. This will help create a crispy exterior for your cauliflower.

Step 3: Cut the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Make the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients for the tempura batter:
1. Add gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Stir in cold seltzer water until just combined. The batter should be thick like pancake batter. If too thin, add more flour gradually until reaching desired consistency.

Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower

Evenly coat each cauliflower floret in tempura batter. Place them on the rack/baking sheet or in your air fry basket in a single layer; avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook the Cauliflower

Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with about 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Cook according to your method:
– Air fry for about 17 minutes (flip halfway).
– Bake for about 20-22 minutes (flip halfway).

This method ensures that every piece gets that delightful crunch while remaining tender inside!

How to Serve Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, these crispy florets are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the crispy cauliflower with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Pair it with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or tahini for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas and fill them with the air-fried cauliflower.
• Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sliced avocado for a tasty twist.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Create a hearty bowl by placing the cauliflower over steamed rice or quinoa.
• Drizzle additional gochujang sauce for extra spice and flavor.

As a Salad Topping

• Add the crispy cauliflower to mixed greens for a crunchy salad.
• Include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing for freshness.

With Noodles

• Toss the air-fried cauliflower with cooked noodles and vegetables.
• A light soy sauce or sesame oil dressing complements this dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

For perfect results every time, follow these tips to ensure your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower turns out deliciously crispy and flavorful.

• Use cold seltzer water: This helps achieve a light and airy batter that crisps up nicely during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space out the cauliflower florets in your air fryer to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the batter before coating and adjust salt or spices according to your preference.
• Double coat if desired: For extra crunch, dip the coated cauliflower in cornstarch again before air frying.
• Flip halfway through cooking: This ensures both sides become golden brown and crispy.
• Experiment with toppings: Add chopped green onions or sesame seeds after cooking for added flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

Pairing side dishes with your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish beautifully.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A healthy side that adds vibrant color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Cucumber Salad
   Refreshing and crunchy, this salad balances the spiciness of the cauliflower well.
3. Kimchi Fried Rice
   Flavorful fried rice made with kimchi adds depth and pairs wonderfully with gochujang flavors.
4. Spicy Edamame
   Lightly salted edamame tossed in chili flakes offers a protein-rich snack that’s easy to prepare.
5. Pickled Vegetables
   A mix of pickled radishes and carrots provides tanginess that cuts through richness.
6. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup complements the crispy texture of the cauliflower perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping this step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your air fryer for optimal crispiness.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many cauliflower florets in the air fryer can lead to steaming instead of frying. Make sure to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
• Ignoring Consistency of Batter: A batter that’s too thin will not stick well to the cauliflower. Achieve a thick pancake batter consistency by adjusting with flour as needed.
• Skipping the Oil Spray: Not using oil can prevent your cauliflower from getting crispy. A light spray or brushing of oil enhances texture and flavor.
• Not Flipping Halfway: Forgetting to flip during cooking can lead to uneven browning. Ensure you flip the cauliflower halfway through for consistent crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the cauliflower to cool before sealing for best results.

Freezing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container.
• Can be stored for up to 2 months.
• Make sure to label and date your container.

Reheating Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but this may affect crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste known for its spicy, sweet, and savory flavor profile. It adds depth and heat to dishes like Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower.

Can I make Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends and ensure all sauces used are gluten-free. This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly as well.

How do I customize my Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang based on your preference. Feel free to include additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for variety.

How do I serve Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower?

This dish works well as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main meal when paired with rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and health-conscious. Its versatility makes it perfect as an appetizer or main dish, while customization options allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this exciting recipe—your taste buds will thank you!

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Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

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Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a mouthwatering, vegan-friendly dish that marries crispy textures with bold flavors. This delectable recipe features tender cauliflower florets coated in a sticky, spicy gochujang sauce that gives each bite an irresistible kick. Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish will surely impress anyone at the table. With easy preparation and versatile serving options, you can enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course over rice or noodles. Elevate your dining experience with this delightful combination of sweet and spicy goodness!

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 6 tbsp soy sauce
• 5 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 1 lime

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper.
3. Cut cauliflower into uniform florets.
4. Mix dry ingredients for the tempura batter in a bowl, then add cold seltzer water until thick and combined.
5. Coat each cauliflower floret in the batter and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Lightly spray with oil and cook for about 17 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use cold seltzer water for a light batter. Do not overcrowd the air fryer for optimal crispiness. Adjust gochujang based on your spice preference.