Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Meet your next favorite snack or appetizer: Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings. Crispy, golden, and tossed in an irresistibly sticky-sweet, spicy sesame sauce, these plant-powered wings bring major flavor and crunch—without a hint of deep frying. If you’re craving something bold, easy, and healthy-ish, you’ve found it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings is just how simple the ingredients are—each one is thoughtfully chosen to create that signature crunch, color, and flavor. These pantry staples come together to make veggie “wings” that steal the show!

• Cauliflower: A fresh, medium head gets you the perfect tender bite and soaks up all that saucy goodness.
• Gluten-free or Regular All-Purpose Flour: This forms a light batter that clings beautifully to each floret; regular flour works just as well if gluten isn’t a concern.
• Plain Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk keeps things light and plant-based, but any milk you love will do the trick.
• Garlic Powder & Salt: These simple spices dial up the savory factor right in the batter.
• Plain Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add irresistible crunch; swap in panko for even more texture!
• Oil: Just a touch for sautéing aromatics—use a neutral oil you love.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: The start of any great Asian-inspired sauce; fresh makes all the difference for flavor!
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari: Tamari keeps it gluten-free, while soy sauce brings traditional umami depth.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For that sticky-sweet glaze, go with your favorite to keep it vegan or not.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds that unmistakable nutty aroma—don’t skip it!
• Rice Vinegar: This gives the sauce its gentle tang and brightness.
• Gochujang and Sriracha: Gochujang brings complex, slightly smoky heat—plus color—while Sriracha lets you make it as spicy as you dare.
• Cornstarch + Water: Worked into a slurry, these thicken the sauce into perfect clinginess.

Variations

The best part about Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings? They play well with just about any twist you throw their way! Whether you’re working with pantry swaps, different diets, or just craving something new, there are so many ways to make them your own.

• Buffalo Style: Skip the sesame sauce and toss your crispy cauliflower in your favorite buffalo wing sauce for a spicy, classic American take.
• Peanut-Sesame: Stir a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the sauce for a nutty, Thai-inspired spin that’s unbelievably moreish.
• Sweet & Tangy Orange: Swap out half the soy sauce for fresh orange juice and zest for a vibrant citrus upgrade.
• Extra Crispy Coating: Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch if that’s your thing!
• Low-Carb or Keto: Try almond flour and pork rind “panko” to bring the carbs way down, if needed.

How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by washing and drying your cauliflower well, then cut it into medium-to-small florets. Not too tiny (so they don’t dry out), but small enough for perfect bite-sized pieces that get super crispy. Discard any tough core or thick stems—think pieces that would comfortably fit in your hand!

Step 2: Batter and Bread

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Add your cauliflower florets and toss gently so each piece is well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs in and toss again so every piece picks up a crispy “jacket”—this is what gives Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings their signature crunch!

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Once hot, arrange half the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket—don’t crowd them (the secret to getting every piece gloriously crispy!). Cook in batches at 370°F for 10–13 minutes, shaking once or twice to ensure even browning. They’re done when golden and deeply crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce

While the wings are crisping up, start your sauce. Add oil to a small saucepan and set over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, then stir in the fresh ginger. After a minute or so, pour in the soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or honey), toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix in the gochujang and sriracha, whisking everything together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Toss

Mix the teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of water to create a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Let it bubble for a minute or two until it thickens up into glossy, sticky goodness. Once all your crispy cauliflower wings are done, pop them in a big bowl, pour on the sesame sauce, and toss gently until every piece is coated and shimmering!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

Finish your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings with a generous shower of toasted sesame seeds and a big handful of thinly sliced scallions or green onions. If you love a punchy bite, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or an extra drizzle of sriracha for flair—it not only looks beautiful, it wakes up all those flavors!

Side Dishes

Pair these wings with cool cucumber salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or quick-pickled veggies for a full meal. They also play perfectly alongside an Asian-inspired slaw, garlic noodles, or even wrapped up in lettuce leaves for a light, fresh bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings piled high on a platter with toothpicks for party finger food, stuff them into street food–style bao buns, or roll them into rice paper wraps with herbs for a unique starter. For something fun, set up a DIY topping bar so everyone customizes their own “wings” adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for about 2 to 3 days—just know that the coating will soften a bit once they’re chilled.

Freezing

Want to make these ahead? Arrange cooked, unsauced wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just reheat in the air fryer and toss them with fresh, hot sauce.

Reheating

Revive leftover wings by air frying them at 350°F for a few minutes until hot and crispy again. The oven or toaster oven works, too—just avoid the microwave so you don’t lose that signature crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your snack routine or wow your friends at the next get-together, these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are pure gold—crunchy, saucy, and oh-so-addictive. I hope they become a new favorite in your home as quickly as they have in mine—go on, give them a try and enjoy every last bite!

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