Crispy Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Cauliflower Bites

• 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for tossing)
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prep the cauliflower.
2. Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, then dry well with a clean towel or paper towels to help the batter stick.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a smooth batter.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then toss in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place the coated florets in a bowl.
5. Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the breaded cauliflower and toss gently to coat. This helps achieve a crispy texture in the air fryer.
6. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
7. While the cauliflower cooks, mix together Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make the spicy honey sauce.
8. Once cauliflower bites are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using.

Chef tips

• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs work well for coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure maximum crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
• Adjust Sriracha and honey amounts to control spice level—less Sriracha for milder taste, more for extra heat.