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close up shot of air fryer cauliflower wings in blue bowl with sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish
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5 from 4 votes

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Deliciously sticky and flavorful, these air fryer cauliflower wings are such a tasty appetizer option. Cook up the 'wings' in the air fryer, then toss in homemade honey garlic sauce. Lighter, vegan-friendly and sure to be gobbled up.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Diet: Low Fat, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 291kcal
Author: Denise Bustard

Equipment

Ingredients

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cauliflower Wings

  • ½ cup all purpose flour see note 1
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup milk see note 2
  • 1 cup Panko see note 3
  • 25 cauliflower florets cut into 1- 1.5 inch pieces

Instructions

  • Honey garlic sauce- Start by combining the honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, water and cornstarch in a pot. Heat on medium-low heat, and whisk until the cornstarch is smooth, and the mixture bubbles and thickens.
    honey garlic sauce simmering in a blue pot
  • Batter & breading- Arrange two medium-sized bowls.
    a) In the first bowl, mix together the flour, salt, garlic and onion powder. Add the milk to the flour mixture, and stir until smooth.
    b) in the second bowl, add the Panko.
    Working in batches, mix the cauliflower florets in the batter until completely coated, shake of excess batter, then toss in the Panko to coat. Transfer to a clean plate and repeat with the rest of the cauliflower.
    cauliflower rolled in panko bread crumbs lifted on fork
  • Air fry- Heat your air fryer to 400°F, and allow to preheat for least 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower to the basket- it can be touching but should not overlap. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and shake the basket. Cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until cauliflower is evenly golden and crispy.
    crispy and golden breaded cauliflower in an air fryer basket
  • Coat in sauce- Once cauliflower has been cooked through, dip the cauliflower in the sauce, shake off excess, and transfer to a serving plate. If your sauce has been sitting for a long time, you will want to warm it through before doing this step.
    dipping breaded cauliflower into the honey garlic sauce with tongs
  • Garnishes- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately!
    close up shot of air fryer cauliflower wings in blue bowl with sesame seeds and green onions as a garnish

Video

Notes

1- unfortunately almond flour did not coat the cauliflower properly; whole wheat flour should work fine; other flours have not been tested
2- any milk can be used including dairy and non-dairy
3- seasoned Japanese breadcrumbs give the cauliflower a deliciously 'meaty' texture and prevent the batter from dirtying the air fryer
Other flavor options
  • BBQ- These cauliflower wings were also delicious when tossed in ½ cup barbecue sauce. Make sure you warm the sauce before tossing the florets in it.
  • Buffalo- For a buffalo option, mix together 1 cup Frank's red hot sauce with 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter). Melt and warm through, then dunk the air fried cauliflower wings in the sauce.
Storage
These 'wings' do not keep well and should be served right away.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 6'wings' | Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 1068mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg