Name: Air Fried Cauliflower with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: For the Cauliflower; 1 head cauliflower (cut into small florets); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (reserve stems for vinaigrette); 1/4 cup puffed rice; 1/2 cup fish sauce (preferably Red Boat); 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh squeezed, from 1 lime); 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 2 tbsp cilantro stems (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp mint (finely chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced); 2 red bird’s-eye chiles (thinly sliced)

Golden, air-fried cauliflower gets dressed in a vibrant fish sauce vinaigrette and topped with puffed rice for crunch-this is not your average veg dish.

Why You'll Love Air Fried Cauliflower with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette

It's veggie-forward, big on flavor, and wildly easy to make in under 20 minutes. Think Momofuku-style cauliflower, but weeknight-ready.

Tips and Tricks

Cut cauliflower into small, even florets so it crisps evenly.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer-cook in batches if needed.
Let the vinaigrette sit before using-it mellows and balances beautifully.

Variations

Sub roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for the cauliflower.
Add toasted peanuts or crispy shallots for texture.
Toss with a splash of sesame oil before air frying for extra aroma.

Substitutions

No air fryer? Roast cauliflower at 450°F for 20-25 minutes.
No puffed rice? Use crispy rice cereal or fried shallots.
No cilantro? Swap for Thai basil or flat-leaf parsley.

Best served with

Jasmine or sticky rice
Grilled pork or tofu
Cold noodle salad with herbs
A crisp lager or pét-nat

How to Store Leftovers

Store cauliflower and vinaigrette separately. Reheat cauliflower in air fryer to re-crisp. Vinaigrette lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Common Questions

Can I prep the vinaigrette ahead?

Yes-it gets better after resting 15-30 minutes and keeps well in the fridge.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use vegan fish sauce or soy-based alternative-it still slaps.

A bowl of roasted cauliflower florets garnished with chopped fresh herbs, red chili flakes, and puffed rice on a light-colored surface.

Air Fried Cauliflower with Fish Sauce Vinaigrette

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Golden, air-fried cauliflower gets dressed in a vibrant fish sauce vinaigrette and topped with puffed rice for crunch-this is not your average veg dish.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 20

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian Inspired, Southeast Asian

Calories: 525

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower
1 head cauliflower cut into small florets
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup cilantro leaves reserve stems for vinaigrette
¼ cup puffed rice

For the Fish Sauce Vinaigrette

½ cup fish sauce preferably Red Boat
¼ cup water
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoon lime juice fresh squeezed, from 1 lime
2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoon cilantro stems thinly sliced
3 tablespoon mint finely chopped
1 clove garlic minced
2 red bird's-eye chiles thinly sliced

Equipment

Air Fryer
Glass jar or container with lid
Mixing bowl

Method

Cook the Cauliflower

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
In a mixing bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of Momofuku Savory Salt (or kosher salt).
Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking halfway, until deeply golden and crispy at the edges.

Make the Vinaigrette

While cauliflower cooks, combine fish sauce, water, sugar, lime juice, rice vinegar, cilantro stems, mint, garlic, and chiles in a jar.
Stir well or shake to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Assemble and Serve

Plate the crispy cauliflower.
Drizzle with fish sauce vinaigrette.
Top with puffed rice and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 9120mgPotassium: 514mgFiber: 2gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 1206IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 3mg