Air Fryer Sweet Chili Cauliflower is a quick and easy low carb side dish or appetizer with bold flavor. Roasted until golden and tossed in sweet chili sauce, this crispy cauliflower is a go-to for weeknight dinners or game day snacking.
This recipe was inspired by my love of sweet heat on savory foods. It's made with simple ingredients, a little heat, and a whole lot of crave-worthy roasted goodness.
Quick Overview:
- Ready in about 20 minutes, mostly hands-off in the air fryer.
- Only 3g net carbs per serving - keto and low carb friendly.
- Crispy, golden cauliflower with a sticky sweet chili glaze.
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Why You'll Love Sweet Chili Cauliflower
- Works as a side dish or a shareable appetizer, so it fits almost any meal.
- Just a few pantry staples, no deep frying required.
- That sweet chili glaze gives it real crave-worthy flavor without much effort.
Key Ingredients
Cauliflower: A medium head cut into small bite size florets. Roasts up crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Sweet Chili Sauce: A sweet, tangy sauce with a little kick - you'll often see it labeled Thai sweet chili sauce on the bottle. Use regular sauce, a low-carb brand, or make your own.
Avocado Oil: Helps brown the cauliflower while withstanding high air fryer temps without smoking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Veggie substitutes: Try broccoli florets, fresh green beans, or halved Brussels sprouts.
Avocado Oil: Use refined coconut oil or melted ghee.
Recipe Variations
- Skip the chili sauce and toss ¼ cup homemade pesto and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for an herby version.
- Coat with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce instead of the sweet chili sauce before the final roast for a smoky sweet flavor.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the sweet chili sauce.
Top Tips
- Cut florets evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Keep an eye on the cauliflower and give the basket a shake about every 5 minutes to ensure even heat distribution on all sides of the cauliflower.
- Roast the cauliflower until it's almost done, then toss with the sauce during the last few minutes - adding it too early can cause the sauce to burn.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes until crisp again.
Your Questions Answered
Fresh gives you the crispiest results, but if you only have frozen, thaw it and pat it very dry before tossing with the oil - extra moisture keeps it from crisping up as well.
Roast it a little longer at the higher temperature before adding the sauce. It's a small change but makes a real difference in the crunch.
Yes - I'd estimate roasting on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden, then tossing with the sauce and returning it to the oven for a few more minutes to set.
Serve With...
Serve Sweet Chili Cauliflower as a side with BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Muffins or a protein rich main like Air Fryer Roast Beef. You can also enjoy it as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like homemade Ranch Dressing, or alongside my Sweet Chili Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts for a double dose of sweet heat.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
When you make this Sweet Chili Cauliflower recipe, please comment below and leave a rating, letting me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Sweet Chili Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Tong
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets 1 medium head
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- ¼ cup sugar free sweet chili sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket and air fry it for 10 minutes on 390 degrees, shaking the air fryer basket every 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower has wilted and started to soften.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer basket and return it to the mixing bowl. Add the sweet chili sauce to the cauliflower and toss to combine.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and reduce the heat to 360 degrees and cook for another 5 minutes, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and sauce is sticky.
Sharron says
I want to have this general flavor but `have them crispy on the outside. Any suggestions?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Sharron, to crisp the cauliflower up more, go ahead and roast it a little longer on the higher temp before adding the sauce.