Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe to Enjoy

Crispy, golden sesame cauliflower wings dance with irresistible flavor that captures every taste bud’s attention.

These delectable air fryer sesame cauliflower wings bring restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen counter.

Packed with zesty Asian-inspired seasonings, this plant-based appetizer turns ordinary cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

The secret lies in creating a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, mouthwatering interior.

Minimal oil and maximum crunch define this healthier twist on traditional wing recipes.

Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to elevate your snack game with this simple yet spectacular dish that promises to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes per batch

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden coating that helps the breading stick perfectly to the cauliflower.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the batter, ensuring a smooth and even coating.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the wings.
• Salt: Balances and elevates the seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs: Delivers a delightful crunch and helps create an extra-crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for sautéing garlic and ginger, releasing their incredible flavors.
• Garlic: Introduces a bold, pungent taste that forms the flavor foundation of the sauce.
• Ginger: Brings a warm, slightly spicy note that adds depth and complexity.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a rich, umami flavor and beautiful brown color to the sauce.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky coating.
• Water: Helps balance and thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts a distinctive, nutty aroma that is quintessential in Asian-inspired dishes.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Gochujang: Introduces a complex, spicy-sweet Korean chili paste that brings exciting heat.
• Sriracha: Delivers an additional layer of spicy kick and vibrant flavor.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, creating a glossy and clingy sauce texture.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides a delightful nutty crunch and authentic Asian-inspired visual appeal.
• Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color to brighten the dish.

Tools for Air Frying Sesame Cauliflower Wings with Ease

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy, golden cauliflower wings without excess oil.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing batter and coating cauliflower with breadcrumbs.
• Whisk: Helps blend batter ingredients smoothly and create even coating.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for preparing flavorful sesame sauce.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping cauliflower into florets.
• Sharp Knife: Used to cut cauliflower and chop scallions.
• Small Dish: Useful for mixing cornstarch slurry.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Simple Instructions for Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Cauliflower Preparation

Break cauliflower into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly in the air fryer.

• Batter Creation

Mix flour, plant milk, and seasonings into a smooth coating that will help breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the vegetable.

• Coating Process

Roll cauliflower pieces through batter, then generously dust with crispy breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.

• Air Fryer Magic

Arrange cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces don’t overlap. Cook until golden and crispy, shaking basket midway through cooking.

• Flavor Explosion Sauce

Sauté minced garlic and ginger in oil, then combine with spicy and tangy liquid seasonings. Thicken sauce by whisking in cornstarch mixture until it reaches a glossy, clingy consistency.

• Final Touch

Gently toss crispy cauliflower in warm sauce, ensuring each piece gets fully coated. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallion rings for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips to Improve the Texture of Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly dried before battering to achieve maximum crunchiness in the air fryer.
• Adjust gochujang and sriracha quantities to match your heat tolerance, creating a custom flavor profile.
• Swap breadcrumbs with panko, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes for different textures and dietary needs.
• Prepare sauce in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or create a complete meal by adding grilled tofu or plant-based protein for extra nutrition.

How to Plate and Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange the sesame cauliflower wings on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce on the side for guests to enjoy.
• Cool Companion Sides: Serve alongside crisp cucumber salad or refreshing coleslaw to balance the spicy-sweet wings and provide a light, crunchy contrast.
• Beverage Buddies: Pair with an ice-cold Asian-inspired beer like Sapporo or a tangy ginger kombucha to complement the bold sesame and gochujang flavors.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Garnish the wings with a sprinkle of green onions, extra sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of sesame oil for a professional, restaurant-quality look.

Store Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare multiple batches of cauliflower wings in advance and store them separately from the sauce to maintain maximum crispiness. Store baked wings and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick meal prep.
• Refrigerator Survival Guide: Cooked cauliflower wings stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly. Keep sauce in a separate container to prevent soggy texture and maintain original crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze uncoated, baked cauliflower wings in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. These wings can last up to one month when stored correctly. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for best results.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Revive leftover wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the wings soft and less appetizing.

Crispy Sesame Cauliflower Wings

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy sesame cauliflower wings deliver a delightful Asian-inspired appetizer packed with zesty flavors. Spicy, crunchy bites provide a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings with minimal oil and maximum crunch.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• ⅔ cup (80 g) all-purpose flour (gluten-free or regular)
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) non-dairy milk, plain (almond milk)
• ¾ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (gluten-free)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) gochujang
• 1–2 tsps sriracha (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

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Instructions

1. Prep Florets: Disassemble cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
2. Create Batter: Whisk flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt into a smooth, velvety mixture that will provide an even coating.
3. Coat and Crumb: Dip each cauliflower piece completely in batter, then roll in breadcrumbs to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set temperature to 370°F, preparing for precise, efficient cooking without excess oil.
5. Initial Cooking: Arrange half the cauliflower in a single layer within the basket, ensuring spacing for maximum crispiness. Cook for 10-13 minutes, pausing midway to shake and rotate for uniform browning.
6. Develop Sauce: Gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then introduce grated ginger. Blend soy sauce, honey, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha into a harmonious mixture.
7. Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then integrate into simmering sauce until achieving a glossy, rich consistency.
8. Final Assembly: Lovingly coat crispy cauliflower wings with prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep with Precision: Cut cauliflower into similarly sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
• Batter Brilliance: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free coating that adheres perfectly to each floret.
• Space Matters: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve maximum crispness and prevent steaming.
• Sauce Success: Whisk cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps and ensure a glossy, perfectly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the wings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes per batch
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg