Glazed Vegan Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites with Spicy Citrus Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-07 · Updated 2026-08-07

Crisp air-fried cauliflower florets tossed in a tangy and spicy citrus glaze reminiscent of fresh sneaker energy. This vegan recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs cauliflower florets, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

The air fryer we’d crisp this in → Best Air Fryers for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups cauliflower florets with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through until golden and crispy on edges.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water until smooth. Slowly whisk into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the spicy citrus glaze. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.