Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)
Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crispy cauliflower with a sticky, spicy sauce. This healthier air-fried version captures the essence of traditional Korean cuisine while offering a plant-based treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, this dish will leave your guests wanting more. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can whip up this delightful recipe in no time, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 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 the air fryer to 400°F or your oven to 425°F.
- Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper. If baking, place a cooling rack on the baking sheet.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients—gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Gradually stir in the cold seltzer water until just combined. The mixture should resemble thick pancake batter.
- Coat each cauliflower floret evenly in the tempura batter and place them on the prepared baking sheet or in your air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray or brush with cooking oil. Air fry for approximately 17 minutes, flipping halfway through. If baking, cook for about 20–22 minutes, also flipping halfway for even browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 213
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 523mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg