Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to your table. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a fun party appetizer, this vegan-friendly recipe shines with its tender cauliflower coated in a mouthwatering gochujang sauce. Enjoy it as a main dish or snack, and experience the delightful heat balanced with sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The air-frying method ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the cauliflower tender inside.
• Vibrant Flavors: The combination of gochujang, garlic, and ginger offers a unique flavor profile that excites your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time for any meal.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course; it’s adaptable for various occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with gluten-free and vegan-friendly ingredients, this recipe fits into many dietary preferences.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), you will need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer (or oven)
• Large mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack (for baking)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool provides a quick and efficient way to achieve crispy cauliflower without deep frying.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of the batter and prevents spills during preparation.
• Cooling rack: Using a cooling rack enhances air circulation around the cauliflower while baking, leading to an even crispier texture.

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 Serving

• 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 the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, or if you prefer baking, set your oven to 425°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Setup

Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If you’re baking instead, place a cooling rack on a baking sheet. This setup will help achieve that desired crispiness.

Step 3: Cut the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Ensure they are relatively uniform for even cooking.

Step 4: Make the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients for the tempura batter:
1. Gluten-free flour blend
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Garlic powder
6. Black pepper

Gradually stir in the cold seltzer water until you achieve a thick pancake batter consistency. If it’s too thin, add more flour one tablespoon at a time until thickened.

Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower

Coat each floret evenly in the tempura batter. Place them onto the lined air fryer basket or cooling rack in single layers without overcrowding. You might need to work in batches based on your air fryer size.

Step 6: Cook

Lightly spray or brush with about 1-2 tablespoons of oil over the cauliflower.
– Air fry for approximately 17 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– If baking, cook for 20-22 minutes while also flipping halfway.

Enjoy your delicious Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower!

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

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the cauliflower as a finger food at parties, accompanied by toothpicks for easy snacking.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with gochujang cauliflower, topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the air-fried cauliflower over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling main dish, drizzled with extra gochujang sauce.

In Salads

• Toss the crispy cauliflower into mixed greens with sesame dressing for a crunchy and flavorful salad.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair the dish with dipping sauces like soy sauce or spicy mayo for an extra layer of flavor.

As Part of a Buddha Bowl

• Combine the cauliflower with grains, vegetables, and your favorite dressing for a nutritious and colorful Buddha bowl.

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

To achieve the best results with your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower, follow these handy tips that will ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.

• Use cold seltzer water: Ensure the seltzer water is extra cold for a lighter and crispier batter.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Fry in batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness. An overcrowded basket can steam the cauliflower instead of frying it.

• Coat evenly: Make sure each piece of cauliflower is evenly coated in tempura batter for consistent texture and flavor.

• Adjust cooking time based on size: If your florets are larger, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through while remaining crispy.

• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add spices or herbs to the batter for additional flavors that complement the gochujang sauce.

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

Pairing side dishes with Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower enhances its taste while creating a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing the spiciness of the cauliflower.

2. Sesame Noodles: These flavorful noodles provide a tasty contrast and are easy to prepare alongside the main dish.

3. Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish adds tanginess and probiotics, complementing the richness of gochujang.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings crunch and coolness, perfect against the heat of chili cauliflower.

5. Rice Paper Rolls: Fill rice paper rolls with fresh veggies and serve them as a light accompaniment.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn pairs well with spicy flavors while adding a delightful texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), even small missteps can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the seltzer water: Using regular water instead of cold seltzer can lead to a less crispy texture. Always use extra cold seltzer for the best tempura batter results.
• Overcrowding your air fryer: Placing too many florets in the air fryer at once can prevent them from crisping up. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season your batter or cauliflower can result in bland flavors. Don’t skip the salt, garlic powder, and spices; they enhance the dish’s taste.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can ruin your dish. Keep an eye on the time and check halfway through for doneness.
• Forgetting to spray oil: Not spraying or brushing oil on the cauliflower before frying can lead to soggy bites. Use cooking spray or oil to promote crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may lead to softer texture.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a bit of oil to keep it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang).

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

Yes! Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

How spicy is Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)?

The spice level depends on the amount of gochujang used. For milder flavor, reduce the quantity or choose a milder chili paste.

What can I serve with Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or as a side with other Asian-inspired dishes.

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can substitute broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even zucchini for a different taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding your favorite veggies. This recipe offers a fulfilling vegan option that everyone will enjoy. Try it today!