Description
These Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional wings, featuring crispy air-fried cauliflower florets coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Paired with a spicy ranch dipping sauce, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Toppings
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 Tbsp lower sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp fresh or dried chives
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 to 3 Tbsp water (plus more as needed to thin)
Instructions
- Make the spicy ranch dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, lemon juice, herbs, seasonings, and water until smooth. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare cauliflower wings breading: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip cauliflower florets into the egg wash, coating completely, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess breadcrumbs.
- Air fry the cauliflower wings: Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer on the wire rack of the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd so the air circulates well. Depending on your air fryer size, cook in batches.
- Cooking process: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 6 minutes, flip the florets, then air fry for another 6 minutes until they become golden and crispy.
- Alternatively, oven method: Place breaded cauliflower wings on a baking sheet sprayed with oil. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring they are cooked evenly and crispy.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Coat cauliflower and serve: Toss the cooked cauliflower wings in the honey garlic sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately with the spicy ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer or oven tray to allow even crisping.
- Adjust the honey garlic sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a little water to thin.
- The spicy ranch dipping sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
- Use lower sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
