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Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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These Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful vegetarian appetizer coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Air-fried or oven-baked to perfection, they’re served with a spicy chipotle ranch dipping sauce for a delicious fusion twist that’s perfect for game day or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

For the 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
  • Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced for topping (optional)

For the 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

For the Spicy Ranch Dressing:

  • 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 chives, fresh or dried
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp water, plus more as needed to thin

Instructions

  1. Make the Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, lemon juice, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to reach desired consistency. Set aside or refrigerate until serving.
  2. Prepare the Cauliflower Wings: Whisk the eggs in one bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl, mix whole wheat panko breadcrumbs with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each cauliflower floret fully into the egg wash, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. Air Fry the Cauliflower Wings: Arrange breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer on the wire rack of the air fryer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispiness. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 6 minutes, flip, then fry for another 6 minutes until golden and crispy. You may need to cook in batches depending on air fryer size.
  4. Bake Option: Alternatively, place breaded cauliflower florets on a baking sheet sprayed lightly with oil, spacing them apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden.
  5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are cooked, immediately toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
  7. Serve: Serve the sticky honey garlic cauliflower wings hot with the spicy chipotle ranch dipping sauce on the side for a delectable vegetarian appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet to ensure the cauliflower wings become crispy.
  • You can prepare the spicy ranch sauce ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for a heartier texture and added fiber.
  • Adjust the amount of adobo sauce in the ranch dressing based on desired spice level.
  • This recipe works well as a vegetarian option but is not vegan due to eggs and honey; substitute if needed.