If you’re searching for a game-changing appetizer, dinner side, or meatless main, these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are about to become your new obsession. Tender bites of golden, crispy cauliflower are tossed in a spicy, sticky sesame sauce that clings to every nook and cranny—utterly irresistible and secretly so easy to make.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy, Without Deep Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crave-worthy crunch with a fraction of the oil and none of the mess.
- Packed with Bold Asian Flavors: The spicy sesame glaze is punchy and addictive, turning humble cauliflower into a total flavor bomb.
- Totally Customizable: This recipe easily adapts to gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan needs with simple swaps—plus, you control the heat!
- Fun to Eat (and Serve!): Perfect for parties, game day, or just a Tuesday night dinner, Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are sure to cause a little frenzy at your table.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings lies in a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to swap or tweak—if you have a well-stocked pantry, you’re halfway there!
- Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets are the backbone—choose a firm, white head and cut into medium or small pieces for maximum crunch.
- Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour (or regular): This forms the base of the batter; regular flour works too if gluten isn’t a concern.
- Plain Non-Dairy Milk: Almond or soy milk deliver a smooth batter; oat or regular milk also work if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder & Salt: Simple seasonings that infuse the batter with flavor right from the start.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: These give the “wings” their characteristic crisp—panko, regular, or even crushed cornflakes can make a tasty alternative.
- Oil: Just a drizzle helps everything turn gorgeously golden; any neutral or light oil is perfect.
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for that punchy, aromatic backdrop in the sauce.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: This umami-packed staple brings just the right deep savoriness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Either natural sweetener works to balance the spice and create a glossy, sticky glaze.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: A splash thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty richness you don’t want to skip—it’s the flavor signature!
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of tang to brighten everything up.
- Gochujang: This Korean chili paste intensifies flavor with gentle heat, but you can omit or substitute with extra sriracha if you prefer.
- Sriracha: Dial it up or down to suit your fiery side.
- Cornstarch: Helps the sauce cling to those crispy wings—potato starch can work if needed.
- Sesame Seeds & Scallions: Optional garnishes that add even more flavor and a pop of color!
How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Start by breaking down your cauliflower into bite-sized florets; not too big, so every piece gets plenty of crunch, and not so small that they get lost in the sauce. Give them a quick rinse and dry well—this helps the batter stick (and lets them crisp up in the air fryer).
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and thick. This is your glue! Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until every inch is coated. It’s a little messy, but trust me—it’s worth it for that shatteringly crisp finish.
Step 3: Bread and Air Fry
Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish, then transfer battered florets a few at a time, patting gently so every spot is covered. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F, then carefully arrange half the cauliflower in a single layer (work in batches for max crispness!). Air fry for 10–13 minutes, shaking halfway, until gorgeously golden and crunchy.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Sesame Sauce
While your “wings” work their magic, start the sauce: Sauté garlic in a saucepan with a bit of oil until fragrant, then stir in the ginger. Pour in the soy sauce, honey (or maple), water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha, whisking smoothly. Bring to a simmer while you prepare a quick cornstarch slurry, then pour that into the saucepan and let everything thicken into a glossy, sticky dream.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once both batches of cauliflower are done, transfer everything to a big bowl and pour the warm sesame sauce over top. Gently toss—this is when the transformation happens! Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions for a fresh, colorful finish. Now, try not to eat half of them before they hit the table.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings
Garnishes
A flurry of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced scallions make these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings pop visually and add little bursts of flavor. If you want extra flair, try a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a dash of crushed red pepper for color and heat.
Side Dishes
These wings are delicious on their own, but for a more complete meal, pair them with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, a simple cucumber salad, or some blistered shishito peppers. For party spreads, they shine alongside dumplings or spicy edamame.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in a big bowl with cocktail picks for easy sharing, pile them onto lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra sauce, or stack them high on a platter over crispy rice cakes for a wow-worthy starter. Don’t forget a little side of extra sauce for double-dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They won’t be quite as crunchy as day one, but the flavor deepens and they’re still utterly snackable.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, unsauced cauliflower wings for up to one month. Let them cool fully, spread onto a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and re-crisp in the air fryer before tossing in fresh sauce.
Reheating
To bring back some of that original crunch, reheat your cauliflower wings in the air fryer at 370°F for 5–7 minutes. You can also use the oven at 400°F; just a few minutes will do the trick—avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy!
FAQs
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Can I make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings without gochujang?
Absolutely! If you don’t have gochujang or simply prefer a milder sauce, just leave it out or swap in a little extra sriracha or crushed red pepper. The sauce will still be delicious and flavorful.
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Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Fresh cauliflower is best for the crispiest “wings,” but frozen will work in a pinch. Make sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before battering to avoid sogginess in the air fryer.
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How can I make this recipe completely vegan?
To keep your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your breadcrumbs and milk are plant-based. All the other ingredients are already vegan-friendly or easy to find in plant-based versions!
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Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Arrange battered and breaded florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F until crispy and golden, about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway. They’re not quite as crisp as air fried, but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a new go-to party snack or weeknight treat, these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings absolutely deliver. I hope you try them out for yourself—you’ll fall for the crispy edges, spicy-sweet glaze, and the pure joy of sharing them with friends or family. Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings. The crispy cauliflower is coated in a flavorful spicy sesame sauce, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
Spicy Sesame Sauce:
- 2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour or regular AP flour
- 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (such as almond milk)
- 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 (optional)
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into medium/small florets. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, and salt. Add the cauliflower to the batter and toss to coat. Toss in the breadcrumbs and mix until well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Add half of the cauliflower to the air fryer basket in one layer. Cook at 370°F for 10-13 minutes until crispy.
- In a small pot, sauté minced garlic in oil. Add ginger, soy sauce, honey/maple syrup, water/vegetable broth, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, sriracha, cornstarch, and water. Whisk and bring to a low boil until thickened.
- Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.
Notes
- If you do not have or do not like gochujang (red chili paste), you can simply leave it out!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
