Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (approx. 600g), cut into bite-sized florets
- 0.5 cup (65g) All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (60g) Cornstarch
- 1 tsp (5g) Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) Garlic powder
- 0.5 cup (120ml) Cold sparkling water
- 0.5 cup (115g) Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup (60ml) Sweet chili sauce
- 1.5 tbsp (22ml) Sriracha
- 1 tsp (5ml) Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Honey
Instructions:
- Prep the cauliflower. Wash and dry the 600g head thoroughly. Note: Water on the surface of the vegetable will prevent the batter from sticking.
- Whisk the dry base. Combine 65g flour, 60g cornstarch, 5g smoked paprika, and 5g garlic powder in a large bowl.
- Create the slurry. Pour in the 120ml cold sparkling water. Whisk until it looks like thick heavy cream.
- Dredge the florets. Toss the cauliflower in the batter until every crevice is filled.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. You want to hear a sizzle when the food hits the basket.
- Arrange in a single layer. Place the florets in the basket, leaving space between each. Note: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying.
- Cook for 15 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through the 15 minutes until they are golden and the edges look shatter crisp.
- Whisk the glaze. While cooking, combine 115g mayo, 60ml sweet chili sauce, 22ml sriracha, 5ml rice vinegar, and 15ml honey.
- The final toss. Transfer hot cauliflower to a bowl and pour the sauce over. Toss quickly so the heat doesn't soften the crust.
- Garnish and serve. Plate immediately while the contrast between the hot cauliflower and cold sauce is at its peak.