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 perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacking.
This recipe was inspired by my love of sweet heat on savory foods, similar to my recipe for Sweet Chili Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Made with simple ingredients, a little heat, and a whole lot of crave worthy roasted goodness.
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Why You'll Love Sweet Chili Cauliflower
- Crispy and flavorful without deep frying
- Ready in under 20 minutes using the air fryer
- Keto and low carb friendly with just a few simple ingredients.
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. Use regular sauce, a low-carb brand, or make your own if following strict keto.
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 before the final roast for a smoky sweet flavor.
Top Tips
- Cut florets evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Cook at 390-400°F then before adding sauce, drop to 360°F to prevent burning.
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.
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.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try
📖 Recipe
Sweet Chili Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- 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 15 to 20 minutes on 390 degrees, 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 10 to 15 minutes, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender.
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.