Name: Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower; ⅔ cup gluten free all purpose flour or regular all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup plain non-dairy milk (almond milk recommended); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup plain gluten free breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or neutral oil); 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; ¼ cup honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons red chili sauce; 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon water (for slurry)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you love crispy, flavorful appetizers that are both vegan and gluten free, you are going to adore this Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe. These cauliflower wings come out perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and are generously coated in a spicy, garlicky sesame sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. They make an amazing snack or party appetizer that everyone will rave about, and the best part is how simple they are to prepare using your air fryer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with golden brown, crispy cauliflower pieces with rough, uneven texture showing breaded coating. Dark brown sauce is being poured in the center from above, creating a glossy texture as it falls onto the cauliflower. The bowl is filled mostly with cauliflower pieces, and the sauce creates a sharp contrast with its deep, rich color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s building the perfect crispy texture, adding a burst of flavor, or balancing the heat with sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish at home.

1 medium head cauliflower: The star of the show, providing the perfect vegetable base for the wings.
⅔ cup gluten free all purpose flour or regular flour: Helps create the light batter that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
⅔ cup plain non-dairy milk: I recommend almond milk for its subtle flavor and to keep the recipe vegan friendly.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory hint to the batter for extra depth.
¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning throughout the coating.
¾ cup plain gluten free breadcrumbs: This gives the wings that irresistible crunch.
1 tablespoon oil: Used to sauté garlic and ginger, releasing their wonderful aromas.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with pungent garlicky goodness.
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Adds a warm, zesty note to balance the sauce.
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering.
¼ cup honey or maple syrup: Brings a welcome sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chili heat.
2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth: Helps thin the sauce and develop its consistency.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Packs in rich nuttiness for that authentic sesame flavor.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
2 tablespoons red chili sauce: Gives the wings their spicy kick.
1-2 teaspoons sriracha: Adjustable heat to suit your spice preference.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the cauliflower.
1 teaspoon water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth finish.

How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Begin by cutting your medium head of cauliflower into medium to small-sized florets. This size allows each piece to cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior while staying tender inside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. This batter is the key to coating the cauliflower and helping the crumbs stick for that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Toss the cauliflower florets into the batter, making sure every piece is fully coated. Then add the gluten free breadcrumbs and mix gently until well covered with crumbs. This double coating technique ensures maximum crispness in the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. Place half of the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 10-13 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway if possible.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Sesame Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, heat the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes lightly golden, then stir in the grated ginger for an additional minute or two. Next, add soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), water or vegetable broth, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, red chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk everything together well.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

In a tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until dissolved and then stir this mixture into the sauce pot. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then remove from heat. This will activate the cornstarch and give your sauce the perfect sticky consistency.

Step 7: Toss Cauliflower Wings in Sauce

Once both batches of air fried cauliflower wings are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy sesame sauce over them and toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top to finish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A white bowl lined with white paper holds many small, crispy, dark brown fried pieces covered in a shiny sauce. They are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions scattered on top and around. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand picks up one piece, showing its rough, crunchy texture. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, and there is a glimpse of a small glass bowl on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and vibrant chopped scallions not only elevates the presentation but adds delightful textures and bursts of flavor with each bite. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra heat if you love it spicy.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, cool cucumber slices, or even steamed jasmine rice for a more substantial meal. They also work as a fantastic game day snack when served alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or vegan mayo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cauliflower wings in lettuce cups or over a bed of noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions. You can also skewer them for easy finger food at parties. No matter how you present them, they will surely wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great option for a quick snack or easy lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze these cauliflower wings if you want to enjoy them later. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat and restore that crispiness, pop your wings back into the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute with regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and crispy.

Is this recipe vegan?

This recipe is vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based milk. It’s a wonderful vegan alternative to traditional chicken wings.

Can I make these wings spicy or mild?

You can easily adjust the heat by tweaking the amount of red chili sauce and sriracha. Start with less if preferred and add more to taste for spicier wings.

What size cauliflower works best for this recipe?

A medium head of cauliflower is ideal, as it yields a good number of florets that cook evenly without overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake these wings in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. Air frying just speeds up the process and gives an extra crispy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you are as excited as I am for you to try this Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe. It’s such a fun, flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower that’s crispy, saucy, and packed with spice. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a delicious snack, these wings will not disappoint. Give it a try and get ready to impress!