air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha

There’s something magical about transforming humble cauliflower into something the kids actually fight over. Last Tuesday, I made these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha for Lila and Jack, and I watched their eyes light up like it was Christmas morning. Grace was over helping with homework, and she couldn’t stop popping them in her mouth between math problems.

Mark used to say the best meals are the ones that surprise you, and these crispy, sweet, and spicy bites do exactly that.

I love how the air fryer creates that perfect crunch without all the oil, and the honey sriracha sauce brings just enough heat to keep things interesting without sending the kids running for milk. These air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha have become our Friday night tradition, and honestly, I make them at least twice a week now.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

These air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha check every box for busy weeknight cooking. First, they’re incredibly healthy compared to traditional buffalo wings. You get all that satisfying crunch and flavor without deep frying.

Second, the air fryer makes preparation almost effortless. Additionally, the honey sriracha sauce creates the perfect balance between sweet and spicy that appeals to both adults and kids. My air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Furthermore, they’re budget-friendly since cauliflower costs a fraction of chicken wings. Even better, these wings are vegetarian and can easily become vegan with simple swaps. The texture rivals any restaurant version, and the flavor absolutely explodes in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delicious air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha, you’ll need simple ingredients you probably have on hand. Here’s everything required:

Ingredient	Amount
Cauliflower head, cut into florets	1 large
All-purpose flour	¾ cup
Milk (any variety)	¾ cup
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon
Sriracha sauce	⅓ cup
Honey	¼ cup
Butter, melted	2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon

Substitutions & Variations

Making these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha works beautifully with several substitutions. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or chickpea flour. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.

If you want vegan air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and use vegan butter. For extra spice, increase the sriracha to half a cup. Conversely, reduce it to a quarter cup for milder wings.

Try adding a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for Asian-inspired flavor. Some folks love adding breadcrumbs to the batter for extra crunch. You can also experiment with buffalo sauce instead of honey sriracha for a different spin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making perfect air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha requires just a few simple steps. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets, roughly 1 to 2 inches each.

Next, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. The batter should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Then, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Place the battered florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp properly.

Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each piece carefully. Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

While the cauliflower cooks, prepare your honey sriracha sauce. Combine sriracha, honey, melted butter, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until well combined and slightly thickened.

Once your air fryer cauliflower wings finish cooking, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey sriracha sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha immediately for maximum crispiness.

Making perfect air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha requires just a few simple steps. If you’re looking to explore more delicious air fryer recipes, check out our guide on air fryer butternut squash for another tasty option.

Pro Tips for Success

After making these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha countless times, I’ve learned some tricks. First, make sure your cauliflower florets are completely dry before battering. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

This helps the batter stick better and creates crispier results. Second, don’t skip preheating your air fryer. It makes a significant difference in texture.

Third, work in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding. The air needs to circulate freely around each piece. Fourth, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.

Fifth, make your honey sriracha sauce while the wings cook so everything stays hot. Finally, toss the wings in sauce right before serving. If they sit too long, they’ll lose that amazing crunch. For meal prep, keep the cooked wings and sauce separate until ready to eat.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend storing the sauce separately from the wings to maintain crispiness. When you’re ready to reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

This restores much of that original crunch. Alternatively, use your oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving because it makes them soggy.

You can freeze plain cooked cauliflower before saucing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and toss with freshly made sauce. The sauce itself keeps refrigerated for up to one week in a sealed container.

Store leftover air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For another great air fryer dish, try our air fryer buffalo chicken nuggets that are perfect for meal prep.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha pair wonderfully with many sides. I love serving them with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Fresh celery and carrot sticks add a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy wings.

For a complete meal, serve them alongside coleslaw and sweet potato fries. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer before burgers or pizza. Sometimes I make a big batch for game day with loaded nachos and guacamole.

Asian-inspired sides like fried rice or edamame work beautifully too. A simple green salad with sesame dressing balances the richness perfectly. For drinks, serve ice-cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea. Jack loves dipping his air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha in extra ranch dressing, while Lila prefers them straight up.

FAQs

Can I make air fryer cauliflower wings without batter?

Yes, you can skip the batter and simply toss cauliflower florets with a bit of oil and seasonings. However, the batter creates that signature crispy coating that makes these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha so irresistible. Without it, you’ll have more of a roasted cauliflower texture.

How do I keep air fryer cauliflower wings crispy?

The key to crispy air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha is thoroughly drying the cauliflower before battering, not overcrowding the basket, and tossing in sauce just before serving. Reheating in the air fryer also helps restore crispiness to leftovers.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha. Frozen cauliflower contains too much moisture and won’t crisp up properly. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before proceeding.

Is there a way to make these less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of sriracha in your sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce. You can also increase the honey to balance the heat. My kids prefer a milder version of these air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha with less sriracha.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to?

Set your air fryer to 375°F for perfect air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha. This temperature creates a crispy exterior while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha are a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering a delightful combination of crunch and flavor. These vegetarian bites are not only easy to prepare but also provide a satisfying snack option that can be enjoyed by everyone, making them a popular choice for gatherings and family meals. Learn more about this cooking method in the air fryer article.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	185
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	10mg
Sodium	580mg
Total Carbohydrates	32g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	16g
Protein	5g

These air fryer cauliflower wings with honey sriracha have become a staple in our home, and I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they do to ours. Happy cooking!

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