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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) The main star of this dish is cauliflower. It holds flavor well and has a nice crunch. You will also need flour and buttermilk. The flour gives a sturdy base, while buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. For seasonings, I use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Garlic and onion offer warmth, while smoked paprika adds depth. Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crunch. They create a crispy outside, giving a lovely contrast to the tender cauliflower. Sweet chili sauce and sesame oil bring sweetness and a hint of heat. Don’t forget the green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and freshness! 1. Preheat the air fryer. Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step is key for a nice crunch. 2. Prepare the cauliflower. Take a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes for easy eating. 1. Dipping in buttermilk. In a bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk. Dip each cauliflower piece into the buttermilk. Let the extra drip off. This helps the coating stick well. 2. Dredging in flour mixture. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Dredge each cauliflower piece in this mix, covering it fully. 3. Coating with panko breadcrumbs. Now, take the flour-coated cauliflower and roll it in 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. This gives the bites a crispy texture. 1. Arranging in the basket. Place the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly. 2. Cooking instructions. Air fry the cauliflower bites for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help them cook uniformly. 3. Optional extra crispiness. If you prefer your bites extra crispy, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will give you that perfect crunch. Now, you’re ready to toss these bites in sweet chili sauce for a burst of flavor! To get the best crunch, do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you pack the basket too tightly, the hot air cannot circulate well. This leads to soggy bites instead of crispy ones. Aim for a single layer of cauliflower pieces in the basket. - Space the bites apart. - Cook in batches if needed. For maximum crunch, here are some tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier texture. - Spray a light coat of cooking spray on the coated cauliflower before cooking. This helps brown them nicely. Want to boost the flavor? You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or even a touch of cumin for warmth. Here are some ideas: - Try adding paprika for a smoky flavor. - Mix in Italian herbs for a different twist. If you want alternatives to sweet chili sauce, consider these options: - Use sriracha for a spicier kick. - Mix honey and soy sauce for a sweet and savory blend. You can easily make this dish vegan. Just replace buttermilk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for: - Almond flour. - Gluten-free flour blends. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cauliflower bites easily. To make them spicy, add hot sauce to the sweet chili sauce. This adds heat and flavor. If you want a sweet and tangy taste, mix honey or lime juice with the sweet chili sauce. This combo gives a zesty kick to your bites. Cauliflower is great, but you can use other veggies too. Broccoli makes a tasty substitute. It cooks well and has a nice crunch. Brussels sprouts also work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can even mix different veggies for a colorful snack. Pair your cauliflower bites with dips for extra flavor. A creamy ranch or tangy yogurt dip complements them nicely. You can also serve them on a bed of fresh salad for a healthy twist. For a fun presentation, arrange the bites on a platter and sprinkle them with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and makes them look fancy. To keep your sweet chili cauliflower bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps them stay crunchy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing. To reheat leftovers, the air fryer is the best choice. Heat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method helps regain that crispy texture. If you do not have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can freeze these bites before or after cooking. If freezing raw, coat them but do not cook. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for about three months. To cook from frozen, increase the air frying time by 5-8 minutes. If you freeze cooked bites, let them cool completely first. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. Yes, you can make these bites in the oven. To do this, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Prepare the cauliflower as you would for the air fryer. Coat the pieces in buttermilk, flour mix, and panko. 3. Place the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Making sweet chili sauce is simple. Here is a basic recipe: - Ingredients: - 1 cup sugar - 1/2 cup vinegar - 1/2 cup water - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch) - 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust for heat) - Instructions: 1. In a pot, combine sugar, vinegar, and water. Bring to a boil. 2. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Add to the pot. 3. Stir until it thickens. Add red pepper flakes for spice. 4. Remove from heat and let it cool. These bites pair well with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Rice: Serve over jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal. - Salads: Add to a fresh salad for crunch. - Dips: Try with ranch or creamy dressing for added flavor. - Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or carrots for a healthy plate. In this post, we covered how to make delicious air fryer sweet chili cauliflower bites. We explored the key ingredients, including cauliflower, buttermilk, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for coating and cooking, along with tips for crispiness and flavor. You also learned ways to change the recipe with different vegetables or sauces. Remember, these bites are easy to store and reheat. With some practice, you’ll make a tasty snack or meal that everyone enjoys! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

Try these delicious Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer! This recipe combines crispy cauliflower with a sweet and tangy chili sauce for a flavor explosion. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, these bites are coated in panko for an extra crunch. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and elevate your snack game with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    Prepare Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

      Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower piece into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.

        Breadcrumb Coating: Coat the flour-dusted cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.

          Air Frying: Arrange the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

            Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bites are golden and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

              Sweet Chili Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce with sesame oil. Once the cauliflower bites are done, toss them gently in the sauce to coat evenly.

                Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated cauliflower bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4