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Air fryer sweet chili cauliflower bites coated in a sticky sweet chili glaze and topped with fresh cilantro and red chili pieces
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Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites - Crispy, Tangy, and Easy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets (about 6–7 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for aroma)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking.
  • Prep the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry. Cut into evenly sized florets so they cook at the same rate.
  • Make the coating. In a large bowl, combine panko, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle cauliflower with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the dry mixture over the florets and toss again until the pieces are evenly covered.
  • Air fry in batches. Arrange florets in a single layer with space between them. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crisp at the edges. Thicker pieces may need an extra 2–3 minutes.
  • Mix the sauce. While the cauliflower cooks, whisk sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Taste and adjust—add more vinegar for brightness or more sriracha for heat.
  • Toss and finish. Transfer hot cauliflower to a bowl and pour over the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If you like stickier bites, return them to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to set the glaze.
  • Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Add lime wedges and cilantro if you like. Serve immediately while crisp.