Thai Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites

Crispy, sticky, and packed with bold Thai-inspired flavors, these Thai Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.

Lightly battered and baked or air-fried until golden, these cauliflower bites are tossed in a sticky Thai sweet chili glaze that’s both irresistible and easy to make.

Perfect as a party appetizer, snack, or meatless meal, they pair beautifully with a cooling coconut-lime mocktail for a refreshing contrast to the heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & caramelized – The coating gets perfectly golden.
• Easy to make – Oven-baked or air-fried, no deep frying needed!
• Sweet, spicy, and tangy – The Thai sweet chili glaze is next level.
• Great for meal prep – Stays crispy and reheats well.
• Pairs beautifully with a coconut-lime spritzer – A light drink to balance the spice.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for a light coating)
• ½ cup water or milk (for batter consistency)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (adds depth)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (enhances the flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

For the Thai Sweet Chili Glaze

• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (adds umami depth)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (balances the sweetness)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a sticky texture)
• 1 tsp grated ginger (adds warmth)
• 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken the glaze)

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds (adds crunch)
• Chopped green onions (for freshness)
• Crushed peanuts (optional) (for extra crunch)

Helpful Tool: A wire rack helps the cauliflower stay crispy while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
2. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating.
3. Roll coated florets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.

2. Cook the Cauliflower

Oven Method (Crispy & Easy)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange coated cauliflower on the sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy)

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket.
3. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.

3. Make the Thai Sweet Chili Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
2. Bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Toss & Serve

1. Place crispy cauliflower bites in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle the warm Thai sweet chili glaze over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts (if using).

Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture!

Mocktail Pairing: Coconut-Lime Spritzer

A cooling Coconut-Lime Spritzer is the perfect pairing for these spicy-sweet cauliflower bites. The light, tropical flavors balance the heat and enhance the Thai-inspired flavors.

[Get the full mocktail recipe here!]

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To Make Ahead: Prep the cauliflower and glaze separately. Bake when ready to serve.
• To Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Thaw and pat dry before battering to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Can I make this without the batter?
For a lighter version, toss roasted cauliflower in the Thai chili glaze without battering.

Is there a way to make this spicier?
Yes! Add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chopped Thai chilies to the glaze.

Final Thoughts

These Thai Sweet Chili Cauliflower Bites are crispy, flavorful, and completely addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or meatless main, their sweet, spicy, and sticky glaze will have everyone coming back for more!

Pair them with a Coconut-Lime Spritzer for a refreshing contrast, and enjoy a bold, plant-based dish that’s both fun and easy to make.

For more Asian-inspired bites, check out [these must-try appetizer recipes!]

📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest so you always have a go-to crispy cauliflower recipe!