Airfryer bang bang cauliflower wings
The underrated veg no more
I know cauliflower divides opinion. Some people see it and immediately think of soggy, sad and wildly under-seasoned florets. And honestly? I’ve also experienced that. Cauliflower has been done dirty for years. But when it’s cooked properly, with heat, flavour and a good ole air fryer, it is an absolute showstopper.
I’m not here to convince you that cauliflower is rice (because sometimes it simply is not), especially as someone who loves carbs in pretty much every form. What I am here to say is that cauliflower, treated right, can be crunchy, bold and absolutely delicious.
Enter: air fryer bang bang cauliflower wings.
Let the air fryer do all the work
The air fryer is the secret weapon that turns cauliflower from meh to omg yes. The intense circulating heat crisps the outside quickly, locking in moisture without letting things go limp or mushy. No deep frying, no oil-logged florets, no babysitting a pan.
In just 15 minutes, you get golden, crispy edges and a tender centre, the exact texture you want before slathering everything in sauce. It’s faster than the oven, easier to clean up, and far more reliable when it comes to crunch. Just remember: cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding can reduce the crispiness.
Why we need more cauliflower
Cauliflower is a brilliant blank canvas. It soaks up flavour, holds its shape, and gives you that satisfying bite without feeling heavy. It’s naturally high in fibre, low in fat, and a great option if you’re looking to eat more veg without sacrificing excitement. Get it on your plate.
Bang bang, But make it veg
These “wings” are coated in a glorious mix of Chinese five spice, garlic, chilli and sesame oil, then finished with a sticky, creamy bang bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chilli, sriracha and honey. It’s spicy, sweet, savoury and slightly messy, exactly how good food should be.
Serve them as a snack, a side, or honestly just eat them straight from the basket. You do you.
Airfryer bang bang cauliflower wings
By Poppy Cooks
https://www.poppycooks.com/recipes/airfryer-bang-bang-cauliflower-wings/
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
- Sesame seeds and spring onions to serve
Metric
Imperial
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together chilli flakes, Chinese 5 spice, garlic granules, fine salt and sesame oil. Tip the cauliflower florets into the bowl and give them a good toss to coat.
- Preheat the airfryer for 2 minutes at 200ºc/400ºf. Tip the seasoned cauliflower into the basket and cook for 15 minutes, giving them a good shake halfway to help them brown more evenly. You want them golden and glistening, but not mushy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, get started on your sauce. In a clean mixing bowl stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha and honey. Adjust the sauce to your taste, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cauliflower florets into the sauce and serve immediately. Sprinkle with spring onions and sesame seeds and give another drizzle of sriracha to serve.