Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a delightful dish that combines tenderness, crispiness, and a sticky, spicy sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this vegan-friendly recipe brings a taste of Korea to your table. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main dish, the unique flavors of gochujang will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of gochujang and other ingredients creates a bold taste that excites your palate.
• Crispy texture: Air-frying gives the cauliflower a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Quick preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
• Vegan-friendly: This recipe is perfect for vegans, making it a great choice for plant-based diets.
• Versatile dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course with rice.

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Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool ensures that your cauliflower gets crispy without excessive oil.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy mixing of dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier after cooking.

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 oven to 425°F if baking). This ensures even cooking right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. If you’re baking, place a cooling rack on the baking sheet. Add parchment paper on top to enhance crispiness.

Step 3: Cut the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into small florets. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 4: Make the Tempura Batter

In a large bowl:
1. Combine all dry tempura batter ingredients.
2. Stir in cold seltzer water until just mixed. It should resemble thick pancake batter; adjust with flour if too thin.

Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower

Evenly coat each floret in tempura batter. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the cooling rack/baking sheet.

Step 6: Cook the Cauliflower

Spray with cooking spray or brush with oil:
– Air fry for 17 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Bake for 20-22 minutes, also flipping halfway for even cooking.

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

This delicious Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, there are plenty of options to elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve with dipping sauces like spicy mayo or soy sauce for a flavorful kick.
• Pair with fresh vegetable sticks for a crunchy contrast.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the cauliflower over a bed of rice or quinoa to create a filling meal.
• Drizzle additional gochujang sauce for extra flavor.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas to make tacos filled with the cauliflower, topped with fresh cilantro and lime juice.
• Add avocado slices for creaminess and texture.

On Salad

• Toss the air-fried cauliflower into a fresh salad for added crunch and spice.
• Combine with greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing for a light meal.

With Noodle Dishes

• Incorporate the cauliflower into stir-fried noodles for a hearty dish.
• Add bell peppers and scallions to complement the flavors.

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

To achieve the best results with your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Use cold seltzer water: This helps create a lighter and crispier batter for the cauliflower.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more garlic or ginger based on your taste preferences.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Keep it fresh: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions just before serving.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli complements the spicy cauliflower while adding nutrients.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the heat of the gochujang sauce.
3. Kimchi: This traditional Korean side adds tangy flavor and probiotics, making it an excellent match.
4. Brown Rice: Simple brown rice provides a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the dish.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort alongside the crispy cauliflower.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots brings brightness and texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the batter prep: Not properly mixing the tempura batter can result in uneven coating. Ensure your batter is thick enough for the cauliflower to stick well.

• Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many florets at once can lead to soggy results. Cook in batches for that perfect crispiness.

• Neglecting oil spray: Forgetting to spray or brush oil on the cauliflower can prevent it from achieving that delightful golden color. A light coat of oil is essential for crispiness.

• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking the cauliflower for too long or too short affects texture. Always check halfway through and adjust as needed for your specific air fryer model.

• Not seasoning adequately: Underseasoning can dull the flavor of this vibrant dish. Be generous with spices and sauces to bring out the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) in an airtight container.
• It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor.

Freezing Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Place cooled cauliflower in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It freezes well for up to 2 months; just ensure you remove excess air from bags before sealing.

Reheating Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring they get crispy again.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Note that this may not retain crispiness.

• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Stir-fry the cauliflower for about 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang), these FAQs will help clarify any doubts!

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

Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.

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

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

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

The spice level depends on your usage of gochujang; adjust according to your preference for heat!

Can I bake instead of air-frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F on a cooling rack for even better crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any meal. Customize it by adding more spices or serving it with different dips. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!