Garlic Chili Cauliflower Recipe – Air Fryer Indian Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Garlic Chili Cauliflower Recipe – Air Fryer Indian Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a snack that’s both satisfying and a little bit special. This Garlic Chili Cauliflower is exactly that – crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I first stumbled upon a version of this at a local Indian street food stall, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s become a total hit with my family, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cauliflower dish, trust me. It’s a delightful explosion of flavors – the warmth of garam masala, a gentle kick from chili, and the savory punch of garlic. Plus, we’re making it in the air fryer (or you can deep fry!), which means it’s relatively quick and healthier than traditional fried snacks. It’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or just when you need a little something to munch on.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• ½ head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (about 60g)
• ¼ cup cornstarch (about 30g)
• ½ tsp granulated garlic
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup water (120ml)
• ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 tbsp oil (for frying/sautéing)
• 1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
• 1 whole green chili, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 4 stalks spring onions, whites chopped, greens reserved for garnish
• 1 tbsp chili paste
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 3 tbsp water (for the sauce)
• ½ tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Kashmiri Chili Powder: Don’t skip this if you can help it! It gives the cauliflower a beautiful vibrant red color and a lovely, mild heat. It’s different than regular chili powder – more about color and flavor than intense spice.
• Garam Masala: This is a blend of warming spices that’s essential in Indian cooking. Every brand is a little different, so feel free to use your favorite!
• Air Frying vs. Deep Frying: I love the air fryer for this because it gets the cauliflower super crispy with less oil. But if you prefer deep frying, go for it! Just make sure your oil is at 375°F (190°C).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the batter. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, granulated garlic, garam masala, salt, and Kashmiri chili powder.
2. Gradually add the water while mixing, until you have a thick, smooth batter. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
3. Now, toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure each one is fully coated. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
4. Air Fryer Method: Place the battered cauliflower in your air fryer basket in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches). Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. No preheating needed!
5. Deep Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the battered cauliflower in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
6. While the cauliflower is cooking, let’s make the sauce. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, green chili, and spring onion whites and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Add the chili paste and ketchup to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the 3 tablespoons of water to loosen it up if needed.
8. Finally, toss the fried cauliflower in the sauce until it’s evenly coated.
9. Garnish with the reserved spring onion greens and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or deep fryer. Working in batches ensures everything gets nice and crispy.
• For extra crispy cauliflower, you can double-fry it! Fry once, let it cool slightly, then fry again for a minute or two.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the chili paste to your liking.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Adaptation: This is already pretty close! Just double-check your ketchup doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the all-purpose flour for besan (chickpea flour). It will give the cauliflower a slightly different flavor, but it’s equally delicious.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves things really spicy, so she adds a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Feel free to experiment!
• Festival Adaptations: This makes a fantastic snack for Diwali or Holi parties. Everyone always asks for the recipe!

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Chili Cauliflower is amazing on its own, but it’s also great with:

• A side of cooling yogurt dip (raita)
• A cup of chai
• As part of a larger Indian snack platter

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore some of the crispiness. It won’t be quite as good as fresh, but still tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe easily doubled or tripled? Absolutely! Just multiply all the ingredients accordingly.
• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before tossing it in the batter.
• What’s the best way to adjust the spice level? Start with a small amount of chili paste and add more to taste. You can also remove the seeds from the green chili for less heat.
• What other sauces can I use instead of ketchup? Schezwan sauce or a sweet chili sauce would also be delicious!
• Can this be made in the oven instead of air frying or deep frying? You can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the battered cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. It won’t be quite as crispy as air frying, but it’s a good option if you don’t have an air fryer.

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!