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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Cauliflower Bites

crispy air fryer hot honey cauliflower bites - featured image

These crispy air fryer hot honey cauliflower bites are a quick, easy, and delicious snack with a perfect balance of sweet heat and crunch. Ideal for any occasion, they deliver nostalgic comfort with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or dairy milk)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
  • 12 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha)
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cauliflower well, then cut into bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick enough to coat cauliflower.
  3. Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for coating.
  4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off, then roll in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on a baking tray or plate.
  5. Transfer coated cauliflower to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Arrange coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  8. While cooking, mix honey with hot sauce and optional lemon juice to make the hot honey glaze.
  9. Once cooked, transfer cauliflower bites to a large bowl, pour hot honey glaze over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Serve immediately for best crispness.

Notes

Dry cauliflower florets well to ensure crispiness. Toss coated florets with oil before air frying for better browning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Adjust hot sauce amount to control spice level. For extra crispiness, lightly spray oil before air frying. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, cauliflower bites, hot honey, crispy snack, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free option, easy recipe