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EASY Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings

Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings are crispy breaded cauliflower coated in a sweet and savory homemade glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower Wings

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Sliced green onions optional

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried chives
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 –3 tablespoons water plus more as needed

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the spicy ranch. Whisk the Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, parsley, salt, and water in a small bowl. Add enough water to reach your preferred dipping consistency. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Prepare the breading. Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Coat the cauliflower. Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg until evenly coated. Transfer it to the seasoned breadcrumbs and coat thoroughly. Gently shake off excess crumbs.
  • Air fryer method. Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 6 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Oven method. Alternatively, arrange the cauliflower on a lightly oiled baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  • Make the glaze. While the cauliflower cooks, whisk the honey, lower-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch together in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  • Coat and serve. Toss the hot Sticky Honey Garlic Cauliflower Wings gently with the warm sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions and serve immediately with the spicy ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

Regular panko breadcrumbs can replace whole wheat panko if preferred. Tamari can also be used in place of soy sauce for a similar savory flavor; choose gluten-free breadcrumbs as well if preparing a gluten-free variation.