If you love bold flavors and crispy bites without the guilt, then the Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. These cauliflower wings are perfectly tender on the inside, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and generously coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy honey sriracha glaze that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving something fun and flavorful, this recipe brings an exciting twist to classic wings using wholesome ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that create an incredible combination of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role, from coating the cauliflower perfectly to creating that addictive honey sriracha sauce that balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
- Cauliflower florets (28, bite-sized): The star vegetable for a healthier wing alternative, providing a satisfying crunch when cooked right.
- Large eggs (3, beaten): Help the flour adhere to the cauliflower, creating a crispy coating when air-fried.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Binds the batter while keeping it light; gluten-free flour works great too if needed.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures the cauliflower crisps up beautifully without excess oil.
- Sriracha (¼ cup): Brings the perfect amount of heat with its iconic chili kick.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness that rounds out the spiciness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, melted): Gives richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of umami and depth to the flavor profile.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cilantro: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and color.
- Pickled red onions (optional): A tangy, crunchy topping to elevate the wings.
- Ranch dipping sauce and chimichurri (optional): Fantastic for dipping, offering creamy and herbaceous contrast.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Sauce Base
Start by making your honey sriracha sauce since it’s best served fresh and warm with your wings. In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, melted butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. This sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet heat with a punch of umami and tang that will coat the cauliflower beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower Coating
Next, set up a simple dredging station. Beat the eggs in a bowl until smooth, and place the flour in a separate bowl. Dip each cauliflower floret first into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the flour. Shake off any excess flour so that the coating isn’t too thick. This double-dip method helps create a crispy, golden crust once air fried.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Spray each coated cauliflower piece with olive oil spray on both sides—this is crucial for achieving that crispy texture without deep frying. Arrange the florets in your air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook at 380°F for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and tender inside. For even better results, give them a quick 1-minute reheat in the air fryer after all batches are done.
Step 4: Toss in the Honey Sriracha Sauce
While your cauliflower wings are hot, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour over the honey sriracha sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so every floret is glistening with that gorgeous sticky glaze, making sure none of that wonderful sauce goes to waste. This step is where flavor magic happens.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your wings with freshly chopped cilantro and optional pickled red onions for extra zest and crunch. Serve them alongside ranch dressing and chimichurri sauce for dipping—the creamy and fresh elements complement the spicy-sweet wings beautifully. Now you’re ready to wow your friends or treat yourself to a finger-licking good snack!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten each bite and add a pop of color, while pickled red onions introduce a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely against the crispy, saucy wings. These small touches turn a simple snack into something memorable and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these wings with cooling sides like a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the heat. Roasted sweet potato fries or lightly seasoned air-fried vegetables also complement the dish well, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cauliflower wings on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces for a casual party vibe, or arrange them neatly on a colorful platter dusted with extra cilantro and pickled onions for a festive look. You can also swap out traditional ranch for vegan options or whip up a zesty yogurt-based dip with lime and herbs for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor well but may lose some crispness, which can easily be restored when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked cauliflower wings by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back their crispiness when reheating, pop the leftover wings into the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 to 5 minutes. This method is way better than the microwave and keeps that delightful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have crispy, delicious wings without gluten worries.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
You can easily make it vegan by replacing the eggs with a flaxseed or aquafaba egg substitute and using vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it a flavorful vegan-friendly option.
How spicy is the honey sriracha sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the sriracha balanced by the sweetness of honey and richness of butter, making it approachable for most palates. You can adjust the sriracha quantity if you prefer more or less heat.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, baking is an alternative. Arrange the coated cauliflower on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden. Just keep in mind the texture may not be quite as crispy as air frying.
What else can I dip these wings in besides ranch?
Try chimichurri for a fresh herbaceous contrast, blue cheese dressing for a tangy complement, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip. These options all pair wonderfully with the spicy-sweet profile of the wings.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Recipe are an absolute joy to make and even more fun to eat. They bring together crispy texture, bold flavor, and colorful presentation in a way that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious snack to indulge your cravings, this recipe won’t disappoint. So grab a head of cauliflower and get ready to make your taste buds dance with every sticky, spicy bite!
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings. Tossed in a spicy and sweet honey sriracha sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack, ready in just over 30 minutes using an air fryer to achieve the ideal golden crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 28 cauliflower florets (bite-sized, about 1 1/2 inches, 16 ounces)
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- Olive oil spray
Honey Sriracha Sauce
- ¼ cup sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish and Dips
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Pickled red onions (optional for garnish)
- Ranch dipping sauce (optional)
- Chimichurri sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Combine sauce base: In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha, honey, melted butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until well blended and set aside.
- Prepare cauliflower for coating: Place the beaten eggs in one bowl and the flour in another. Dip each cauliflower floret first into the egg mixture, then into the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour and lay them on a clean work surface. Spray both sides of each coated floret lightly with olive oil spray.
- Air fry cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). In batches if necessary, place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender. Repeat with remaining florets. Once all batches are done, return all the cauliflower to the air fryer and heat together for an additional 1 minute to warm through.
- Coat cauliflower in sauce: Immediately transfer the hot air-fried cauliflower into a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the prepared honey sriracha sauce until every piece is evenly coated with the spicy, sweet glaze.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the cauliflower wings to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and optional pickled red onions for extra flavor and color. Serve hot with optional ranch and chimichurri dipping sauces to complement the spicy wings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha and honey to make the sauce spicier or sweeter according to taste.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- Use fresh cauliflower florets about 1 1/2 inches for uniform cooking.
