Ingredients
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
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
Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 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)
Toppings (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions
- Make the spicy ranch dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, adobo sauce, lemon juice, dried dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust water to reach desired consistency. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the cauliflower wings: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the whole wheat panko breadcrumbs with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg wash, ensuring it is well coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated florets on the wire rack of your air fryer in a single layer to avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the wings for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue air frying for another 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to maintain single layer cooking.
- Alternative baking method: If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the breaded cauliflower wings on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with oil, making sure not to overcrowd. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: While the wings are cooking, whisk together honey, lower sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss wings in sauce and serve: Once the cauliflower wings are cooked, immediately toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until fully coated. Place on a serving plate, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve alongside the spicy ranch dipping sauce and enjoy your crispy, flavorful wings!
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the dipping sauce by varying the amount of adobo sauce.
- Honey garlic sauce should be cooked long enough to thicken for proper coating.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a flax egg and use plant-based yogurt in the ranch sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
