Air Fryer Honey-Sriracha Cauliflower Bites: Sweet Heat, Zero Regret

Some snacks keep you polite. This is not one of them. These cauliflower bites are the kind of sweet-spicy situation that has you “accidentally” standing over the serving plate until they’re gone. Crisp edges, sticky glaze, and a kick that keeps you chasing the next bite — all from an air fryer that quietly did most of the work.

The magic here is in the contrast: golden florets that still hold their shape, lacquered in a honey-sriracha glaze that clings like it’s in love. The sauce is a three-ingredient wonder you can whisk together while the cauliflower gets its tan. And because it’s all air-fried, there’s no vat of oil between you and snack nirvana.

This recipe hits that sweet spot (literally) between “I want something fun” and “I should probably eat a vegetable.” It’s weeknight-friendly, game-day-appropriate, and fancy-feeling enough for a cocktail party if you scatter some sesame seeds with intention.

Serve them right away, because like most good things, they’re best in the moment — glossy, warm, and just spicy enough to make you take a sip of whatever’s in your glass.

Air Fryer Honey-Sriracha Cauliflower Bites

Sweet, spicy, and just the right amount of sticky — cauliflower in its “main character” era. Crispy edges meet a glossy honey-sriracha glaze for a snack that feels like happy hour but still counts as eating vegetables.

Servings 4

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets (~6 cups)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water optional, for thicker glaze
• Sesame seeds + sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
• Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed) and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender and golden at the edges.
• While cauliflower cooks, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• For a thicker glaze, stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce and simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly glossy.
• Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl, pour glaze over, and toss gently to coat.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately — napkins optional but recommended.

Notes

• For extra crunch, toss cauliflower in 1 tbsp cornstarch before air frying.
• Adjust sriracha for your spice tolerance — 1 tbsp for mild, 3 tbsp for the “my lips are tingling” experience.
• Pairs well with chilled cucumber slices or a creamy yogurt dip for balance

Calories: 150kcal