Crispy Hot Honey Cauliflower Nuggets
These crispy hot honey cauliflower nuggets bring the crunch, the kick, and the comfort—without a deep fryer. Whether you're feeding kids, hosting game night, or craving easy appetizers, these golden bites bring flavor and fun.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Cauliflower Nuggets
- 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- cooking spray or oil for air frying or baking
Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Instructions
- Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Add cauliflower and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove cauliflower from marinade, shake off excess, and dredge in flour mixture until well coated.
- Place coated cauliflower on a baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Spray with oil.
- Bake at 425°F or air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Warm honey with red pepper flakes and drizzle over hot cauliflower nuggets before serving.
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add cayenne to the flour mix.
- For gluten-free, swap flour with a 1:1 blend.
- Nuggets can be frozen after cooking and reheated in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes.