Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe

These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are magic on a plate—crispy, savory, sweetly spicy, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser whether you eat plant-based or just want something irresistible! A gluten-free, veggie-packed twist on classic wings, they’re tossed in a bold sesame sauce and in moments become addictively snackable. If you’ve ever wanted a game-day appetizer or weeknight treat to impress, this recipe is the one you’ll want on repeat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here does some heavy lifting! These are all pantry staples or easy grocery finds, and each one brings something special—crunch, richness, or that signature sesame flavor—to your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings.

• Cauliflower (1 medium head): Look for a fresh, firm head with tightly packed florets—a little crunch is the key to mimicking classic wings.
• Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (⅔ cup): Binds the batter and gives an airy, light coating; substitute regular all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
• Plain Non-Dairy Milk (⅔ cup): Almond milk works beautifully here, keeping the batter creamy and dairy-free—you can swap in any plain milk you like.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon) & Salt (¼ teaspoon): Layers depth right into the batter, so every bite is seasoned inside and out.
• Plain Gluten Free Breadcrumbs (¾ cup): For that crave-worthy crunch; swaps for panko or regular breadcrumbs work just as well!
• Neutral Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the sauce seasonings—avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil all keep things light.
• Fresh Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, toasty flavor—don’t skimp!
• Fresh Grated Ginger (1 teaspoon): Brightens up the sesame sauce and adds a subtle kick.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari (⅓ cup): Brings all the umami and saltiness you need.
• Honey or Maple Syrup (¼ cup): Both sweeten the sauce naturally—choose maple for a vegan version.
• Toasted Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Provides that deep, nutty, unmistakable sesame flavor.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts the sauce with a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Gochujang (2 tablespoons): Korean red chili paste for spicy, complex heat—you can leave it out if you want less spice!
• Sriracha (1–2 teaspoons): Adds customizable zing; start mild and adjust as you like.
• Water or Vegetable Broth (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Thins the sauce to just the right coating consistency.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Thickens the sauce so it luxuriously clings to every piece.

Variations

The beauty of Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings is how quickly you can make them your own. A tweak here or there and this dish fits almost any palate or occasion—don’t be afraid to improvise based on what you have or crave!

• Turn Down the Heat: Skip the gochujang or sriracha for a mild sauce, or add a sprinkle of brown sugar to temper the spice.
• Extra Crispy Coating: Swap gluten free breadcrumbs for panko or double-dip the cauliflower in batter and crumbs for a crunchier shell.
• Add Color: Toss steamed broccoli or bell pepper strips with the sauce and cauliflower for a wow-worthy appetizer platter.
• Make it Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and be sure your gochujang is soy-free, too.

How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Start by breaking down your cauliflower into even, bite-sized florets. This is what gives the finished “wings” their wonderfully meaty texture and means they’ll cook up evenly in the air fryer. Try to avoid big chunks—smaller pieces crisp up best!

Step 2: Make the Batter & Coat

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Drop in your cauliflower pieces and stir well, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. Now, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and gently toss again—the result should be flecked and evenly covered florets, ready to crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Air Fry for Crispiness

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Working in batches, arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd! Air fry for 10–13 minutes, shaking once halfway, until the wings puff up and turn deep golden-brown. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like the best appetizer bar in town!

Step 4: Make the Sesame Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, heat the oil in a small saucepan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, then toss in the ginger and cook for another minute. Pour in soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, rice vinegar, water, gochujang, and sriracha, whisking well. To thicken, combine the cornstarch and a splash of water, stir it in, and bring the mixture to a low boil for 1–2 minutes. The sauce will get glossy and coat the back of a spoon—perfection!

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once each batch of cauliflower is ready, place everything in a big bowl. Pour the gorgeous, fragrant sesame sauce over and toss until every piece is glistening. Finish your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings with a scattering of sesame seeds and fresh sliced scallions—then dig in while they’re hot!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

The finishing touch really makes these wings shine! Scatter generously with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch, sliced scallions for freshness, and if you’re feeling fancy, a few torn cilantro leaves. This combo highlights all the savory, toasty notes in the Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings and brings restaurant-style flair right to your table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings with fluffy jasmine rice, crunchy Asian slaw, or even chilled soba noodles for a complete meal. If you’re entertaining, a platter with pickled veggies and edamame alongside makes for a stunning (and delicious!) spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For something playful, pile your sesame cauliflower wings on a tray with toothpicks for easy sharing at parties. Or, tuck them into lettuce cups for an Asian-inspired appetizer, drizzle with extra sauce, and serve family-style. If you’re feeling bold, stack them high over rice in a colorful bowl—every bite becomes a feast of texture and taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (they go fast!), store your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate so they stay bright and fresh when you serve again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked, unsauced cauliflower wings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer to bring back the crunch before tossing them with fresh sauce for best flavor.

Reheating

For the crispiest leftovers, reheat Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t restore the crunchy exterior. Always wait to toss with sauce until just before eating for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with these Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings as much as I have—they’re proof that veggie-based snacks can be incredibly exciting! Pour yourself a cold drink, gather your favorite people, and serve up a plateful. This is one recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again, no matter the occasion. Enjoy, and let me know how you like to customize your wings!

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