Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha are my go-to when I crave something sticky, spicy, and crunchy without deep-frying. Maybe you’re in the same boat: you want game-day vibes on a Tuesday night, but you also want to feel good after dinner. Same. I make these in my air fryer and they always come out crisp, saucy, and wildly satisfying. If you need a reliable air fryer, I’ve had great luck with this model, and it makes all the difference for even browning. Let’s skip the fuss and jump right into how you can nail this at home, fast.
Why This Recipe Works
These cauliflower wings are all about texture and balance. The outside turns golden and crunchy, while the inside stays tender. A light coating of seasoned cornstarch and panko gives real crunch without a greasy aftertaste. Then the sauce steps in with that sweet heat magic.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss: it’s budget-friendly and it tastes like a weekend dinner. Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha are my go-to when I crave something sticky, spicy, and crunchy without deep-frying. Maybe you’re in the same boat:…
Honey and sriracha are a classic duo. Honey rounds out the kick, while a splash of soy sauce adds depth. A tiny bit of butter gives the sauce shine and helps it cling to every nook and cranny. You get bold flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
Air frying also makes the process easy. Preheating, a light oil spray, and a shake halfway through are pretty much the whole game plan. If you’re new to air frying, you might like exploring more ideas on my air fryer recipe collection for quick dinner wins.
Most of all, this recipe respects your time. You’ll prep while the air fryer heats, cook in one batch, toss in the sticky sauce, and you’re done. That’s why I keep coming back to Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss whenever I want a fast, crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko if needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 large eggs, whisked (or use 1/2 cup plant milk for a vegan binder with 1 tablespoon flax meal)
- Neutral oil spray
For the honey sriracha bliss sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter for shine
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish
Optional add-ins that I love: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a teaspoon of grated ginger in the sauce for a fresh kick. If you like to pair your snacks with something hearty, try these juicy, quick proteins too: garlic butter air fryer shrimp makes a perfect partner plate.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Prep the cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating gives you that instant sizzle for crispy edges.
- Setup a coating station: in one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, combine cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Pat the cauliflower florets dry. Dip each floret in egg, then roll in the dry coating. Press gently so the crumbs stick.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t pack them too tight. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry until crisp
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Spray again lightly after shaking for extra crunch.
- They’re ready when the coating is deep golden and the edges are crisp. If needed, add 2 to 3 more minutes for extra color.
Make the honey sriracha bliss sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until glossy. Taste and adjust heat by adding more sriracha or balance with a touch more honey.
- Toss the hot cauliflower in the warm sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion.
Pro move: Toss half the batch first so the cauliflower stays crisp, then coat the rest. If you want a full meal, pair these with a simple side like air fryer chicken breast and potatoes.
This is the exact process I use when I’m craving Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss but don’t want to deep fry or dirty up the stove.
Air Fryer Tips
Dry your florets well. Moisture is the enemy of crunch. Pat the cauliflower with paper towels before coating.
Preheat your air fryer. That initial blast of heat sets the crust so it doesn’t get soggy.
Don’t crowd the basket. Space equals airflow equals crunch. If needed, cook in two batches.
Use a light oil spray. Just a quick mist on both sides helps the crumbs brown and crisp up.
Shake halfway through. This helps every side crisp. Spray again after shaking for top-tier crunch.
Adjust heat to your model. Some air fryers run hotter. If your first batch gets dark too fast, drop the temp to 375°F.
For more weeknight-friendly air fryer recipes, I regularly rotate in this satisfying dinner staple: easy air fryer turkey meatloaf. It’s a great pairing when you want your wings as a starter and a protein-rich main next.
“I made these for a game night and the bowl was empty in under ten minutes. Even the die-hard chicken wing fans went back for seconds. This recipe is a keeper.”
I also love using this section to remind you that Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss are super forgiving. If the coating looks pale, give it a couple more minutes. If you crave extra heat, add a swirl of sriracha right after tossing so it really pops.
Variations
Buffalo style: Swap the honey sriracha for buffalo sauce and a touch of butter, then serve with ranch or blue cheese.
Maple BBQ: Stir together BBQ sauce and pure maple syrup for a sticky-sweet glaze that’s kid friendly.
Garlic parmesan: Toss hot wings with melted butter, grated parmesan, and fresh garlic. Finish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Gochujang honey: Mix honey with gochujang, soy, and a hint of sesame oil for savory-sweet heat.
Vegan-friendly: Use plant milk plus flax meal to bind, dairy-free butter in the sauce, and maple syrup in place of honey.
If you like sweet-savory sides next to your wings, you’ll probably love these golden air fryer sweet plantains. That combo is elite for movie nights.
Common Questions
How spicy are these? Mild to medium, depending on your sriracha. Start with 2 tablespoons, then add more if you love heat.
Can I bake instead of air fry? Yes. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once. The air fryer will be crispier, but the oven still works well.
How do I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free panko and tamari. Everything else is already naturally gluten-free or easy to swap.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Air fry at 360°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring the crunch back. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it softens the coating.
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Use fresh if possible for best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry very well before coating.
Ready to Crunch In?
These saucy bites deliver a perfect mix of heat and sweet with a crispy shell that really satisfies. Once you try Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss, you’ll see how easy it is to whip up a crowd-pleasing snack without frying. If you want more inspiration, I’m a fan of riffs like this Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower for different spins and serving ideas. Grab your air fryer, toss those florets, and get ready for serious crunch.
When you’re done snacking, round out your menu with something cozy like a simple teriyaki salmon bowl. And hey, share a photo if you make these. I can’t wait to see your version of Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha Bliss.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Honey Sriracha
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Preheating gives you that instant sizzle for crispy edges.
- Setup a coating station: in one bowl, whisk the eggs. In a second bowl, combine cornstarch, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Pat the cauliflower florets dry. Dip each floret in egg, then roll in the dry coating. Press gently so the crumbs stick.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t pack them too tight. Lightly spray with oil.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Spray again lightly after shaking for extra crunch.
- They’re ready when the coating is deep golden and the edges are crisp. If needed, add 2 to 3 more minutes for extra color.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until glossy. Taste and adjust heat by adding more sriracha or balance with a touch more honey.
- Toss the hot cauliflower in the warm sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion.
