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To make Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here is the list you'll need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for added heat) - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The cauliflower gives us that great crunch. The flour and spices create a tasty coating. Buttermilk helps the flour stick. Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet kick. Sriracha can make it spicy if you want. Green onions and sesame seeds add a fun touch when you serve them. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This makes cooking easier and more fun. Enjoy the process of making these tasty bites! - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these until they blend well. - Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. This will be your dipping station. - Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the buttermilk. Make sure it gets fully coated. - Next, roll the floret in the flour mixture. Tap off any extra flour to avoid clumping. - Place the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Keep them spaced out to cook evenly. - Air fry the cauliflower for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. - While the cauliflower cooks, mix the sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a bowl. Adjust the spice level to your liking. - Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Toss them in the sweet chili sauce mixture until all bites are covered. - For the final touch, return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes to set the sauce. To get that crave-worthy crunch, I recommend a double coating technique. First, dip your cauliflower in buttermilk. Then coat it in the flour mix. This layers the crunch, giving you a crispy bite. Also, make sure to space out the cauliflower in the air fryer. If they touch, they won’t crisp up well. Want to kick up the spice? Just add more sriracha to your sweet chili sauce. Start with the two teaspoons in the recipe. Taste it, then add more if you like heat. For garnishes, try using chopped cilantro or a drizzle of lime juice. These add freshness and zing to every bite. If you're making these bites for a crowd, batch cooking is key. Fry them in small groups so they cook evenly. After frying, keep them warm in the oven while you finish the rest. For storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They are best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This brings back their crispiness! {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce to change the whole dish. Here are two fun ideas: - Teriyaki sauce alternative: Use teriyaki sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. This gives a sweet, savory flavor. - Buffalo sauce variation: For a spicy kick, use buffalo sauce. It adds heat and tang. Adapting this recipe is easy. Here are some options: - Vegan substitutions: Replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use a vegan flour blend. - Gluten-free adjustments: Use a gluten-free flour mix. This keeps the bites crunchy without gluten. Want to take your cauliflower bites up a notch? Here are some tips: - Adding spices for different tastes: Mix in spices like cumin or chili powder for extra zing. Experiment to find your favorite blend. - Incorporating vegetables: Toss in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and flavor, making this dish even better. To keep your cauliflower bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for about three days. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature. This helps prevent spoilage. If you want to keep them crispy, place a paper towel in the container. This will absorb extra moisture. When you want to enjoy leftovers, the air fryer is your best friend. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower bites in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh their crunch. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. This method also brings back the crispiness. If you want to save some bites for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked cauliflower bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the same air fryer or oven methods as before. This will make them taste as good as fresh! Yes, you can! If you don't have buttermilk, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat. Just add a splash of vinegar to make it tangy. This helps the coating stick well to the cauliflower. To add heat, mix sriracha into the sweet chili sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. If you like it really spicy, try tossing in some diced jalapeños. Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crispy. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just thaw and drain it well. Pat it dry with a towel to ensure the coating sticks. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. These bites can last up to three days in the fridge. For the best taste, eat them within two days. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore crispiness. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for the best results. Experiment with sauces and dietary adjustments to suit your taste. Remember, these bites can be a fun snack or a party hit. Store leftovers well and reheat them for a crunchy treat. Enjoy making this dish as much as I do! You’ll love these bites that are easy, tasty, and versatile.

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

Elevate your snack game with these crispy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites! Perfectly seasoned and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, this easy recipe transforms simple cauliflower into a deliciously crispy treat. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack that's great for gatherings or a cozy night in. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

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

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for added heat)

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.

      In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative).

        Dip each cauliflower floret first into the buttermilk, then into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

          Place the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the sweet chili sauce with sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.

                Once the cauliflower bites are done, remove them from the air fryer and immediately drizzle or toss them in the sweet chili sauce mixture until well coated.

                  Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the sauce.

                    Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

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