Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)
Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) offers a delightful fusion of flavors that will excite your taste buds. This dish features crispy, tender cauliflower florets coated in a sticky, spicy gochujang sauce that elevates any meal. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this vegan-friendly recipe is sure to impress both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike. The air-frying method ensures a satisfying crunch while keeping the dish healthier by using less oil. Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or snack — whatever the occasion, this flavorful cauliflower will be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 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 chopped green onion
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If baking, set your oven to 425°F.
- Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If baking, place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and then lay parchment onto the cooling rack.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets for even cooking.
- In a large bowl: Combine all dry ingredients for the tempura batter. Gradually stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined. Aim for a thick pancake batter consistency; adjust with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Coat each cauliflower floret evenly with tempura batter and arrange them in a single layer on your rack or air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Lightly spray or brush with oil: Air fry for about 17 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, also flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg