air fryer bang bang cauliflower

Topic: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower features fresh florets breaded with seasoned panko and crisped to golden perfection. The real star is its bold bang bang sauce, blending creamy mayo, tangy chili, sriracha, honey, and lime for an addictive finish. It comes together quickly using basic pantry staples and requires no deep frying. Versatile for appetizers, snacks, or a fun side dish, these bites are vegetarian, kid-friendly, and easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free needs. The all-in-one crunch and creamy coating make this dish a hit at gatherings or easy weeknight dinners alike.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
By racha Racha
Last modified on Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:25:39 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce on it. Bookmark
A plate of food with a sauce on it. | recipesbyracha.com

This crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower is what finally made me fall in love with cauliflower. After trying a restaurant version that blew my mind, I knew I had to recreate something similar at home. It is now one of our go-to snacks — golden on the outside, tender in the center, and completely coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it is a casual weeknight or a party with friends, this one never lasts long.

I first whipped this up on a whim for an after-school snack and had to fight off my kids from grabbing seconds before I finished plating. It has been in regular rotation ever since.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower florets: fresh and firm cauliflower gives the best texture
  • All-purpose flour: helps the coating stick and adds crunch when air fried
  • Panko breadcrumbs: provides that light airy crisp that makes these irresistible
  • Garlic powder: gives each bite savory depth
  • Paprika: adds a warm subtle smokiness
  • Salt and pepper: enhances all the flavors
  • Buttermilk: tenderizes the cauliflower and helps bind the coating
  • Olive oil spray: ensures even crispiness without deep frying
  • Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base that holds everything together
  • Sweet chili sauce: brings a sweet tangy heat that defines the flavor
  • Sriracha: adds that signature spicy kick
  • Honey: smooths out the spice and adds a mellow finish
  • Lime juice: balances it all with brightness and zing

Instructions

Prep The Cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to keep the size consistent so everything cooks evenly. Rinse and pat dry for best coating results.
Make The Dredging Station:
Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, pour the buttermilk. In the third, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread The Cauliflower:
Take each floret and dip it into the seasoned flour first, then coat it in buttermilk, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs until well covered.
Load The Air Fryer:
Place the breaded florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches for even crisping.
Cook Until Crispy:
Spray the tops lightly with olive oil. Air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for twelve to fifteen minutes, shaking halfway through. Look for a golden brown crunchy exterior.
Mix The Sauce:
While the cauliflower cooks, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Serve And Enjoy:
Drizzle the sauce over the hot cauliflower or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and color.
A bowl of cauliflower with a dipping sauce.
A bowl of cauliflower with a dipping sauce. | recipesbyracha.com

I am totally hooked on the way the sweet chili sauce and lime juice combine in the bang bang sauce. It is the kind of flavor combo that makes people ask for the recipe before they even finish chewing. I remember serving this for a game night and one friend paused mid-bite just to say this is the best thing I have ever had with cauliflower.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results and to revive the crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes. The microwave just will not do these justice as the coating goes soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this gluten free use a one to one gluten free flour blend and gluten free breadcrumbs. For a dairy free batch try oat milk with a bit of vinegar in place of buttermilk and swap mayo for vegan mayo or Greek yogurt. Both types of swaps work well and are family approved.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cauliflower as an appetizer at gatherings or alongside a main course for a crunchy contrast. It is excellent tucked into wraps with shredded lettuce or piled onto a fresh salad with bang bang sauce as dressing. For game day just set out extra sauce for dipping.

Cultural Context

Bang bang sauce is a blend of Asian and American flavors and first became popular at restaurants like Bonefish Grill. The term refers not to the spice but to the flavor explosion that hits you at first bite. There are dozens of homemade versions but this one strikes the balance my family loves.

Seasonal Adaptations

For spring try mixing in asparagus or spring onions with the cauliflower. Roast sweet potato cubes alongside for a heartier fall twist. In summer swap in zucchini rounds for an equally crispy finish.

Success Stories

I have heard from several friends who tried this and told me their kids ate veggies without a single complaint. One neighbor made it for her daughter’s sleepover and not a single floret was left by the end of the night. That is always a win.

Freezer Meal Conversion

If you want to prep ahead bread the cauliflower and freeze it in a single layer on a tray. Once solid transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to two months. Air fry straight from frozen at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes and finish with sauce as usual.

A bowl of food with a spoon in it.
A bowl of food with a spoon in it. | recipesbyracha.com

Give this bang bang cauliflower a try and get ready for some seriously happy snackers. You might want to double the recipe — it disappears fast!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes! Bake the breaded cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispy results.

→ Is the bang bang sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle kick thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Substitute as needed for your dietary preferences.

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or vegan mayo are great alternatives for a lighter or plant-based sauce option.

→ How do I store leftovers and reheat?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

→ Can I adjust the flavor of the sauce?

Of course! Add more lime juice for brightness, extra honey for sweetness, or more chili sauce to enhance heat.

air fryer bang bang cauliflower

Golden, crunchy cauliflower coated in zesty bang bang sauce—quick, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy days.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
By racha: Racha

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: American-Asian Fusion

Makes: 4 Servings (Approximately 5 cups of crispy cauliflower bites)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Cauliflower Bites

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon paprika
05 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 1/2 cup buttermilk
08 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
09 olive oil spray

→ Bang Bang Sauce

10 1/3 cup mayonnaise
11 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
12 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
13 1 tablespoon honey
14 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

→ Garnish

15 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Trim cauliflower and cut into uniform bite-sized florets. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry for even coating.

Step 02

Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper mixed well; the second with buttermilk; and the third with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Coat each floret in the seasoned flour, dip in buttermilk, and then press into panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Step 04

Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Work in batches if necessary.

Step 05

Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy.

Step 06

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 07

Arrange hot cauliflower on a serving platter, drizzle with bang bang sauce or serve it alongside for dipping. Top with sliced green onions.

Additional Tips

  1. To maintain crispness when reheating, air fry leftovers at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes rather than microwaving.
  2. Double the bang bang sauce to use for dipping or as a spread for wraps.
  3. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and panko with certified gluten-free alternatives.

Must-Have Gear

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Potential Allergy Info

Check product labels for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise) and wheat (flour, panko). Substitute with vegan mayo and gluten-free breading for allergen-sensitive needs.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is provided for guidance and isn’t a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calories: 269
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Protein Content: 6 g