Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Introduction

These are the Best Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings for a crispy, healthier take on a classic appetizer. The air fryer delivers a perfect crunch without deep frying, while a sweet and savory sesame glaze makes them irresistible. For another quick and flavorful meal, try this Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli Recipe.

Ingredients

These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings combine a crispy, golden crust with a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that’s packed with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat.

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 2/3 cup gluten free all purpose flour (or regular AP flour)
• 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (I used almond)
• 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

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 30% faster than traditional oven-baked methods for sesame cauliflower wings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Cauliflower

Cut one large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Rinse and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels; this is crucial for the batter to stick properly.

Step 2 — Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of plant-based milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3 — Coat the Florets

Working in batches, toss the dried cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before transferring them to a plate. This prevents a soggy, doughy coating.

Step 4 — Air Fry the First Batch

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5 — Prepare the Sesame Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6 — Toss and Serve

Once the Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are crispy, immediately toss them in the warm sesame sauce until evenly glazed. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for the perfect finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	~5 g
Carbohydrates	~25 g
Fat	~7 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sodium	~480 mg

Note: These are approximate values per serving for Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein-Packed Swap — Use firm tofu or tempeh cubes instead of cauliflower for a higher-protein version of these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings. The crispy texture and sauce cling beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the all-purpose flour in the batter with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly, gluten-free coating that gets wonderfully crisp.
• Dairy-Free Batter — Swap buttermilk for an equal mix of unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat) and a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to maintain tang and binding.
• Gluten-Free Coating — Use certified gluten-free all-purpose flour or a light dusting of cornstarch/arrowroot powder for a crispy, celiac-safe batter.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce — Opt for liquid aminos, coconut aminos, or a reduced-sodium soy sauce in the sesame glaze to cut salt without sacrificing the savory umami flavor.
• Oil-Free Cooking — For an oil-free version, use a quality non-stick air fryer basket and lightly spray the cauliflower with vegetable broth before air frying to promote browning.
• Sugar-Reduced Glaze — Substitute the honey or sugar in the sauce with a sugar-free maple syrup or a touch of monk fruit sweetener to lower the glycemic impact.
• Nut-Free Variation — Replace sesame seeds with toasted sunflower seeds or omit them entirely, using a splash of toasted sesame oil in the glaze for flavor if allergies are a concern.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad for a light, satisfying meal.
• Serve them as a game-day appetizer alongside classic dips like ranch, sriracha mayo, or a sweet chili sauce for dipping.
• Transform them into a hearty rice bowl by adding steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra sesame sauce.
• For a fun party platter, arrange the cauliflower wings next to other air-fried favorites like spring rolls or zucchini fries.
• Make it a complete Asian-inspired feast by serving them with vegetable fried rice or a miso soup.
• For a beautiful presentation, garnish the finished dish with extra sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions or cilantro.

These versatile Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a flavorful, plant-based bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen cauliflower without thawing. Fix: Always thaw and pat completely dry; excess moisture prevents a crispy coating.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch in your batter. Fix: A cornstarch-flour blend is key for a light, shatteringly crisp crust that adheres.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the air fryer basket. Fix: Cook in a single layer with space for air circulation to ensure even browning.
• Mistake: Not preheating the air fryer. Fix: A 3–5 minute preheat creates an instant sear, locking in the coating’s texture.
• Mistake: Adding sauce before air frying. Fix: Always crisp the wings first, then toss in sauce; saucing too early makes them soggy.
• Mistake: Using a thick, heavy soy sauce in the glaze. Fix: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control saltiness and prevent overpowering the sesame.
• Mistake: Neglecting to flip halfway through cooking. Fix: A quick flip ensures all sides get equally golden and crispy.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without letting them rest. Fix: Let them sit for 2–3 minutes after saucing; this helps the glaze cling better.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The crispy coating will soften but the flavor remains delicious.
• Freezer: Arrange cooked and cooled Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat directly from the fridge or freezer in your air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes (or until hot and crispy). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

For maximum crispiness, enjoy your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings immediately after cooking. If preparing the sauce-coated version, store it separately from the sauce to better preserve texture.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to classic wings. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. If you love this recipe, try our Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Recipe or Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe next. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings ahead of time?

You can prepare the cauliflower florets and sauce separately, but for the best texture, air fry them just before serving. Reheating in the air fryer will help restore some crispness. This ensures your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are perfectly crispy.

How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?

Ensure your florets are thoroughly dried after washing and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer with space between pieces allows for proper air circulation and crispiness. This is key for successful Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings.

Can I use a different sauce for these cauliflower wings?

Absolutely. While the sesame sauce is recommended, you can toss the crispy cauliflower in buffalo, teriyaki, or a sweet and sour sauce. Always add the sauce after air frying to maintain the best texture for your wings.