So you want something spicy, crunchy, and impressive-looking, but also quick enough for a weeknight? Same. This Air-Fryer Gochujang Cauliflower & Snap Peas is my go-to when I need a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

As a single Asian accountant, I sometimes trade spreadsheets for chopping boards, and trust me — this dish hits all the marks: bold flavor, minimal effort, and zero judgment if you eat straight from the pan.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

  • Air-fryer magic means crispy edges with very little fuss.
  • Gochujang sweetness + heat gives this dish a surprising kick without drama.
  • Vegan and colorful, so your plate looks like you actually planned it.
  • Quick, beginner-friendly, and satisfying enough that you won’t miss meat.
  • One bowl, one appliance — because some of us prefer to keep life (and dishes) simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
  • 1 ½ cups snap peas, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Optional: lime wedges or extra chili flakes if you want more personality

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
  2. Prep the veggies. Cut cauliflower into similar-sized florets and trim the snap peas.
  3. Mix the sauce. Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper. Taste and adjust — I sometimes sneak a little extra chili because why not.
  4. Coat the veggies. Toss cauliflower and snap peas in olive oil, then add the sauce, making sure everything looks glossy and confident.
  5. Air-fry. Place veggies in a single layer, cook 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. You want crispy edges and tender insides.
  6. Garnish. Sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the basket — veggies need space to crisp.
  • Skipping preheating — nobody wants soggy cauliflower.
  • Using a substitute for gochujang that’s too mild — this is the flavor backbone.
  • Forgetting to shake halfway — otherwise, some edges get sad.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Snap peas not available? Use green beans or bell peppers.
  • Want protein? Toss in crispy air-fried tofu cubes.
  • Dairy-free (already vegan!) — perfect as-is.
  • Low-oil? Use a quick spray of cooking oil instead of tossing fully.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is this really spicy? Medium, but you can adjust with extra chili flakes or gochujang.

Can I bake this instead? Yes, 200°C / 400°F for 15–20 mins. Slightly less crispy but still tasty.

Meal prep friendly? Yep — store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crisp.

Kid-friendly? Reduce chili if needed; otherwise, flavor-packed enough to win over most taste buds.

Is it filling enough for a main meal? Add quinoa, rice, or noodles and you’ve got a colorful, satisfying vegan main dish.

Final Thoughts

These Air-Fryer Gochujang Cauliflower & Snap Peas are vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who wants a healthy, fuss-free meal. As a single Asian accountant, I appreciate dishes that are quick, impressive, and delicious — and this one delivers on all counts.

Serve it solo, with grains, or as part of a bigger spread. Either way, it’s guaranteed to make you feel like a kitchen pro without the stress.