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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Florets: Disassemble cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Create Batter: Whisk flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt into a smooth, velvety mixture that will provide an even coating.
- Coat and Crumb: Dip each cauliflower piece completely in batter, then roll in breadcrumbs to develop a crisp, golden exterior.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set temperature to 370°F, preparing for precise, efficient cooking without excess oil.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then integrate into simmering sauce until achieving a glossy, rich consistency.
- 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