Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe – Crispy, Sweet
The Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of Sriracha. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative to fried food while still enjoying crispy, bold flavors. Begin by cutting cauliflower into florets and tossing them with a mixture of honey, Sriracha, olive oil, and seasonings. The key to achieving the perfect texture is using an air fryer, which cooks the cauliflower to a golden brown with less oil than traditional frying methods. Once cooked, the cauliflower becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, delivering a delicious contrast in every bite. The Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, offering a perfect balance of spicy and sweet. It’s also customizable, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey or Sriracha to suit your taste.
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack or side dish, this Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower is the perfect option! It combines the crispy goodness of air-fried cauliflower with a mouthwatering blend of sweet honey and spicy Sriracha sauce. This recipe is easy to make, and the air fryer gives the cauliflower a perfectly crispy texture without the need for deep-frying. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer, a vegetarian snack, or a flavorful side dish, this Honey Sriracha Cauliflower will surely hit the spot.
Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a great alternative to traditional fried foods and can be enjoyed by anyone following a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible cauliflower dish.
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Baking Sheet (for cooling or additional oven use)
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Combine and Serve
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the honey sriracha sauce over the cauliflower and toss well to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve Immediately
- Enjoy the honey sriracha cauliflower as an appetizer or a side dish. It's best served immediately while still crispy.
Notes
Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Even Cooking: Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, you can place the coated cauliflower under the broiler for a couple of minutes after air frying.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin C: 60% of the daily value
- Potassium: 10% of the daily value
These values can vary depending on the exact ingredients used, but overall, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying option that can be easily incorporated into a balanced diet.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture, as this helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Make the Honey Sriracha Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, and soy sauce. Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preferred spice level.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the honey Sriracha sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower
- If you want extra crispy cauliflower, spray the florets with a light coat of cooking spray before air frying.
- For a vegan version, ensure that your honey substitute is plant-based (like agave syrup).
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.
- You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
This Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower is not only easy to make but also packed with bold flavors and healthy ingredients. Enjoy this crispy, sweet, and spicy treat that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.