Crispy, Spicy, Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower (Gochujang)

If you love bold flavors and crave restaurant-quality vegan dishes at home, this air-fried Korean chili cauliflower is going to steal your heart (and your taste buds). This recipe features tender cauliflower coated in a crisp tempura batter and tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce that’s pure magic.

I first fell in love with this dish at a Korean fusion spot, but when I recreated it at home, it quickly became a crowd favorite. It’s perfect for game nights, dinner parties, or whenever you want a punch of flavor without the fuss. Whether air-fried or baked, it’s crispy, satisfying, and 100% plant-based.

Why You’ll Love This Air-Fried Korean Chili Cauliflower

• Crispy, never greasy: The air fryer delivers the perfect crunch without deep-frying.
• Addictive sauce: Sweet, spicy, and sticky gochujang sauce coats every bite.
• Vegan + gluten-free: Perfect for a wide range of diets.
• Quick + easy: Done in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Cauliflower & Tempura Batter

• 2 medium heads cauliflower (about 650g), cut into florets
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free flour blend (or brown rice flour)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ¾ cups seltzer water, extra cold

Korean Chili Sauce

• ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar; reduce to ¼ cup if sensitive to sweetness)
• 6 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if desired)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 5 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• ¼ cup mirin
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)

For Serving

• Toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer or Oven

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or oven to 425°F).
• Line the air fryer pan with parchment paper, or if baking, place a cooling rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment. This setup helps ensure a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Stir in cold seltzer water until the mixture is the consistency of thick pancake batter. If it’s too thin, add flour one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3: Coat and Cook the Cauliflower

• Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, shaking off excess.
• Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
• Lightly spray or brush with oil.
• Air fry for 17 minutes (flip halfway), or bake for 20-22 minutes (flip halfway), until golden and crisp.

Step 4: Make the Gochujang Sauce

• Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, gochujang, and mirin in a blender. Blend on high for about 1 minute until smooth.
• Make a slurry by mixing ¼ cup of the blended sauce with cornstarch until smooth.
• Pour the remaining sauce into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the slurry and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

• Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil in a wok or large pan.
• Add the crispy cauliflower and pour in the thickened sauce.
• Toss gently for about 3 minutes until evenly coated and sticky.

How to Serve It

• Transfer to a platter.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty kick.
• Pair with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even tucked into lettuce wraps.

Tips & Variations

• Make it milder: Use less gochujang or add an extra splash of maple syrup.
• Make it crispier: Use a cooling rack when baking or work in small batches in the air fryer.
• Add protein: Toss in crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Why Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a uniquely savory, sweet, and spicy flavor. It brings depth and umami to the dish, making this cauliflower recipe taste anything but ordinary. Not all gochujang brands are gluten-free, so check labels if needed.

External Links You’ll Love

• Gochujang 101: How to Use Korean Chili Paste
• Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice
• Crispy Baked Tofu Guide
• How to Air Fry Like a Pro

Final Thoughts

This air-fried Korean chili cauliflower is a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a sticky gochujang sauce—it’s a flavor-packed vegan dish that even meat lovers will adore.

Whether you’re making it as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a game-day snack, this dish is sure to impress.