Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful and crispy alternative to traditional chicken wings. With their perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet tanginess, these wings are perfect for parties, snacks, or a healthier option to enjoy during game days. The best part? They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and completely vegan. Whether you prefer air-fried or oven-baked versions, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds!

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Why Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings Are a Must-Try
These Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing flavor or texture. The crispy exterior and tender inside of each cauliflower piece are perfectly complemented by the sweet chili sauce, creating an irresistible bite. The best part is that they are quick to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re vegan or not, these cauliflower wings are sure to become your new favorite snack!
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings
To prepare these delicious Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets: Provides the main base for the wings. It’s nutritious, low in calories, and mimics the texture of traditional chicken wings.
- Breadcrumbs: Gives the cauliflower its crispy coating.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the cauliflower.
- Sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor to the wings.
- Ground ginger: Offers a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet chili sauce.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the coating.
- Chili garlic sauce: Brings the perfect balance of heat and garlic flavor.
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Provides a zesty, fresh kick to the sauce.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and balances the spiciness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- Eggs: If you’re following a plant-based diet, swap eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
- Chili garlic sauce: If you prefer less spice, substitute with a milder Thai sweet chili sauce.
- Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used for a vegan-friendly alternative to honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings
- Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
- Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a separate dish, combine the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, ground ginger, garlic powder, and salt.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15 minutes. There’s no need to flip halfway through.
- Prepare the sweet chili sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and honey in a bowl.
- Toss cauliflower in the sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings
- Crispiness: For extra crispy wings, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking oil before air frying. This helps the coating crisp up perfectly.
- Sauce balance: If the sauce is too spicy for you, add more honey to balance out the heat. Alternatively, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce for a milder flavor.
- For oven-baked version: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (205ºC), then bake the cauliflower for 10 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through for even crisping.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings
Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips:
- Side dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy coleslaw to balance out the heat.
- Dips: These wings pair wonderfully with a cooling ranch dip, tangy barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli.
- Variations: For a smoky twist, try adding smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. For a spicy kick, top the wings with fresh sliced jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings
Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. They’re not only a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a meat-free appetizer, or simply craving something flavorful, these wings will not disappoint. With their crispy texture and bold, savory sauce, they are sure to be a hit at any occasion!
These Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings make a fantastic appetizer or a stand-alone meal for vegetarians and vegans alike. With just the right balance of flavor, they offer a satisfying and hearty bite that everyone will love. Try them today and discover why they are the perfect snack for any occasion!
Conclusion: Why Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional wings, and they pack a punch of flavor with every bite. The combination of crispy cauliflower and the sweet and spicy chili sauce creates the perfect balance that appeals to both casual snackers and health-conscious eaters. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a weeknight dinner, or just a quick snack, these cauliflower wings are sure to satisfy. Plus, with easy preparation and versatile options for cooking (air fryer or oven), these wings are as convenient as they are tasty.
If you’ve been looking for a fun, plant-based dish that everyone will enjoy, Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are the way to go. They’re customizable to your heat preferences and can be served with a variety of sides and dips. These wings will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection, offering a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy cauliflower in a whole new way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower wings in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake the wings for 10 minutes on each side. Make sure to flip them halfway through for an even crispy texture.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
To adjust the spice level of the Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings, you can reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or replace it with a milder Thai sweet chili sauce. If the wings turn out too spicy for your liking, simply add more honey to balance the heat and make them sweeter.
Can I make Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?
Yes, you can! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. This will keep the coating crispy without sacrificing flavor or texture.
More Relevant Recipes
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a perfect spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, they provide the same flavor as classic buffalo wings but with the added benefit of being plant-based and crispy on the outside. Serve with a cooling dip for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower: If you love cauliflower as a wing substitute, this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower recipe will be a hit. The cauliflower florets are roasted to perfection with a rich garlic and parmesan coating, offering a savory, cheesy flavor that’s perfect as a side dish or snack.
- Air Fryer Taco Bombs: For another fun, crispy snack, these Air Fryer Taco Bombs bring bold flavors with a crunchy exterior and a cheesy, seasoned filling. They are a great option for those who enjoy crispy, flavorful bites similar to the Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings, with a Mexican twist.
Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet Chili Cauliflower Wings are crispy, flavorful bites with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, making them a hit at any gathering or a delightful solo treat. This simple and easy recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings and will surely satisfy your cravings for a crispy, savory snack.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower (approx. 4 cups of florets)
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup honey
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure even cooking.
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, ground ginger, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15 minutes. There’s no need to flip them halfway through.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the sweet chili sauce. In a bowl, mix the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and honey.
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to the bowl with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking oil before air frying.
- If the sauce is too spicy, you can add more honey to balance the heat.
- If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the amount of honey accordingly.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 400ºF (205ºC) for 10 minutes on each side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 278 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 1291mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 82mg
