Description
A quick, 20-minute recipe for crispy, air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Kid-approved and gluten-free friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup plant milk or water
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the cauliflower florets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk plant milk (or water) until smooth, then pour into the dry ingredients to form a thin batter.
- Toss the dried cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Air fry in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake on a lined sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- While cauliflower cooks, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Toss the hot, crispy cauliflower in the warm sauce until coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
Patting the cauliflower dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For best texture, serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to restore crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cauliflower bites, honey garlic cauliflower, air fryer recipes, healthy appetizer, gluten-free, vegan options, quick dinner, kid-friendly vegetables