Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful plant-based snack or appetizer. These wings are coated in a tasty batter, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a savory sesame sauce that delivers a satisfying bite every time. Perfect for game day or a party treat!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2/3 cup gluten free all purpose flour (or regular AP flour)
- 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (almond milk recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plain gluten free breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (see notes)
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into medium/small florets.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt to make the batter.
- Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss well to coat. Then, toss in the breadcrumbs and mix until the florets are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (approximately 190°C), which should take just a couple of minutes.
- Step 5: Place half of the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
- Step 6: Air fry the cauliflower at 370°F for 10-13 minutes, adjusting the time based on how crispy you prefer them.
- Step 7: While the cauliflower cooks, heat the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, then add grated ginger and cook for another minute.
- Step 8: Stir in the soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), water (or vegetable broth), toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha. Whisk together to combine.
- Step 9: In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then add this mixture to the sauce. Bring the sauce to a low boil to thicken, then remove from heat.
- Step 10: Once all batches of cauliflower are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Toss with the prepared sauce until well coated.
- Step 11: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double coat the cauliflower by dipping again in batter and breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and gochujang to control the heat level to your taste.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
- To make it vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the cauliflower wings in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Is gochujang necessary for the sauce?
Gochujang adds a unique spicy, savory depth to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with extra sriracha or a mild chili paste.
Print
Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings offer a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a gluten-free batter and air fried to perfection, they’re tossed in a savory, sweet, and spicy sesame sauce that’s infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of gochujang. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine a satisfying crunch with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2/3 cup gluten free all purpose flour (or regular all purpose flour)
- 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (almond milk recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plain gluten free breadcrumbs
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or neutral oil)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Cut Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into medium to small florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Toss with Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Then, add the gluten free breadcrumbs and toss again until well coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C), which usually takes just a couple of minutes.
- Add Cauliflower to Basket: Place half of the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook in two batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Air Fry: Cook the cauliflower at 370°F for 10-13 minutes, depending on your preferred crispiness, shaking the basket halfway through if possible.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: While the cauliflower cooks, heat the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, then add the grated ginger and cook for an additional minute.
- Prepare Sauce: To the pot with garlic and ginger, add soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, water or vegetable broth, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha. Whisk everything well to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce mixture and bring to a low boil, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Once both batches of cauliflower wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Toss them thoroughly with the prepared sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure non-dairy milk and breadcrumbs are vegan.
- Adjust sriracha and gochujang amounts according to your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- These wings are best served immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs as specified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: air fryer cauliflower wings, sesame cauliflower, gluten free appetizers, vegan wings, spicy cauliflower, Asian cauliflower wings, healthy snacks
