Air Fryer Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian Recipe
Today we are making a Air Fryer Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian Recipe! If you love crispy, restaurant-style Gobi Manchurian but want a healthier, oil-free version, this recipe is just what you need! Traditionally, Gobi Manchurian is deep-fried, making it extra crunchy but also heavy. By air frying the cauliflower instead, you get the same irresistible crispiness with a fraction of the oil—without compromising on flavor.
This dish is a perfect blend of Indo-Chinese flavors, combining crispy cauliflower with a spicy, tangy, and umami-rich sauce. The air-fried cauliflower is coated in a flavorful batter, then tossed in a glossy, garlicky sauce that’s both sweet and savory. It makes an excellent appetizer for parties, a fun snack for spice lovers, or even a flavorful side dish with fried rice or noodles.
What makes this Air Fryer Gobi Manchurian even better is how quick and easy it is to prepare. No need to heat up a large pot of oil or deal with messy frying—just toss the cauliflower in the air fryer and let it crisp up while you prepare the sauce. Whether you’re a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine or just looking for a healthier way to enjoy crispy, saucy cauliflower, this recipe will become your go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Gobi Manchurian
Crispy Without Deep Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get perfectly golden, crispy cauliflower with minimal oil, making it a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried Gobi Manchurian.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, craving takeout-style food at home, or need a spicy, flavor-packed side dish, this easy air fryer recipe fits any occasion effortlessly!
Substitutions
Cauliflower: Broccoli will be a great substitute if you want a different texture, while still maintaining a similar flavor profile.
Carrots: Shredded zucchini can add moisture and a mild flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Cabbage: Swap more shredded carrots or zucchini instead of cabbage.
Cornstarch: Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead. Tapioca starch will add a bit more chewiness into the batter.
Avocado Oil: Swap in olive oil instead.
White Onion: Use shallots or yellow onion instead. Purple onion might work, but will be more bitter.
Tamari: Tamari is a lower-sodium, gluten-free version to soy sauce. You can use soy sauce as well, but will need to adjust the salt accordingly as soy sauce is saltier.
Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite vegetable-based, red tomato pasta sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Use rice vinegar instead.
Sambal Oelek: This is a red Indonesian chili paste. You can swap in with another chili garlic sauce.
Xylitol: Use granulated cane sugar, or coconut sugar instead.
Cauliflower Manchurian Recipe Notes
- Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer so they crisp up evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Gobi Manchurian tastes best when served hot and crispy. If left sitting too long, the cauliflower may absorb the sauce and lose its crunch. Serve it as a crispy, saucy starter at parties or gatherings with toothpicks or skewers for easy eating. Pair with extra chili sauce or schezwan sauce for dipping. Turn it into a full meal by serving it alongside rice or noodles!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Onion & Masala Chickpeas (Tawa Chole)
Oven-Baked Tandoori Tofu Skewers
Lauki Ki Sabzi (Bottlegourd Curry)
Aloo Matar (Peas & Potatoes Curry)
If you make this Air Fryer Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian Recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Gobi (Cauliflower) Manchurian Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Skillet
- Fine Hole Grater
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Batter
- 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 1 tsp fresh garlic finely grated
- ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp pink salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 cups small cauliflower florets washed and dried
- ½ cup white cabbage finely shredded
- ½ cup carrots finely shredded
For the Manchurian Sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ large white onion cut into slices
- 1 tsp fresh garlic finely grated
- 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 tbsp tamari
- 1 tbsp tomato pasta sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp sambal oelek (red chili paste)
- ½ tsp xylitol
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp warm water
- fresh coriander chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients up to right before the cauliflower. Slowly add water to make a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the florets.
- Set the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and place it in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 16-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Heat the oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute, then add in the remaining ingredients for the sauce (except the coriander). Make sure the cornstarch is pre-mixed with the water before adding in.
- Cook the sauce for a couple minutes until thicker. Once the cauliflower is done, add it to the pan and toss until well coated.
- Remove from the heat. Sprinkle coriander on top and serve hot as an appetizer or with fried rice!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
