Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Introduction

Air fryer sesame cauliflower wings are a game changer for snack enthusiasts and veggie lovers alike. These delicious, crispy wings bring bursts of flavor with a sesame-infused glaze and a hint of spice. Perfect for appetizers, game days, or even as a main dish, they’re an unforgettable addition to your recipe collection. What makes these cauliflower wings truly special is their lighter preparation using an air fryer, ensuring they’re both healthy and ridiculously satisfying.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the batter:

All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup

Non-dairy milk – 1/2 cup

Water – 1/3 cup

Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon

Onion powder – 1 teaspoon

Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Ground pepper – 1/4 teaspoon

For the coating:

Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup

For the sesame sauce:

Low-sodium soy sauce – 1/4 cup

Toasted sesame oil – 1 teaspoon

Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Honey or maple syrup – 3 tablespoons

Sriracha – 1 teaspoon

Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Ginger – 1/2 teaspoon, grated

Cornstarch – 2 teaspoons mixed with 1 tablespoon water as a slurry

Optional toppings:

Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation of these sesame cauliflower wings is simple and efficient. First, gather all your ingredients and chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. The batter comes together swiftly—just whisk everything together so the consistency is smooth and ready for coating. In a separate shallow dish, prepare the breadcrumbs for dredging. With the batter and panko ready, assembling the perfect cauliflower wings becomes an effortless process. Estimated prep time: 15 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Using the air fryer ensures a quicker cooking time and less oil compared to traditional frying methods. Place the battered and breadcrumb-coated florets evenly in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap for optimum crispiness. Cook the wings at 375°F for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Once ready, toss the hot cauliflower in the thickened sesame sauce, prepared earlier by simmering the listed ingredients together.

Total time including preparation and cooking is around 30 minutes, offering you a speedy yet satisfying snack or meal option. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it perfect for small gatherings or family dinners.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all relatively the same size to ensure even cooking. Rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry batter ingredients, typically flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gradually add water to the dry mixture and stir until you achieve a smooth, thick batter consistency that will coat the cauliflower evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

One by one, add each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Remove any excess batter by gently shaking the florets.

Step 4: Toss in Breadcrumbs

Prepare a separate bowl for the breadcrumbs. After coating the cauliflower in batter, transfer it into the breadcrumbs, thoroughly coating each piece for crispiness.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes while you finish preparing the coated cauliflower.

Step 6: Cook the Cauliflower

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides are crispy.

Step 7: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

As the cauliflower cooks, prepare the sesame sauce. In a small saucepan, combine ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8: Toss Cauliflower in Sauce

Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the prepared sesame sauce over the florets and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sauced cauliflower to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Note 1: Sauce Thickness

For a thicker sauce consistency, add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the saucepan and stir until thickened.

Note 2: Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the batter and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Note 3: Adjust Spice Level

Add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sesame sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Note 4: Air Fryer Capacity

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Note 5: Alternative Cooking Method

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Note 6: Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sesame cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
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Cook Techniques

Use the Right Cauliflower Size

Ensure the cauliflower florets are evenly sized for consistent cooking. This allows them to become perfectly tender and evenly coated.

Coating the Cauliflower

To ensure a crispy exterior, the batter should fully cover each floret. Make sure to shake off any excess batter before placing the florets into the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer gives optimal results, allowing the cauliflower wings to cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.

Shake the Basket Midway

Gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to evenly distribute heat and crisp up the cauliflower on all sides.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Cook the cauliflower wings in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

FAQ

Can I make these cauliflower wings in the oven?

Yes, they can be baked in the oven. Bake them at 425°F and flip halfway through until they are golden and crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes in the recipe to make it gluten-free.

What dipping sauces pair well with these cauliflower wings?

You can serve them with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.

How do I ensure the wings are crispy?

For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and ensure the florets are fully coated in the batter before cooking.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

It’s recommended to use fresh cauliflower, as frozen cauliflower may release extra moisture, affecting the texture and crispiness.

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Conclusion

This air fryer sesame cauliflower wings recipe is a perfect blend of crispy texture and flavorful taste. It is easy to prepare, healthy, and satisfies your cravings in no time. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these cauliflower wings are sure to be a hit. Experiment with the recipe to suit your taste preferences and pair it with your favorite sides or dips for a complete meal.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

For a spicier twist, try making air fryer buffalo cauliflower with a tangy buffalo sauce for a bold and zesty flavor.

Sticky BBQ Cauliflower Bites

Swap out the sesame sauce for a smoky BBQ glaze to create sticky and flavorful bites perfect for a backyard gathering.

Sesame Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Combine sesame cauliflower wings with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of extra sesame sauce for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Sweet and Spicy Cauliflower Wraps

Use these wings as a filling for wraps or tacos, paired with crunchy slaw and an extra drizzle of sauce.

Asian-Inspired Cauliflower with Noodles

Mix the sesame cauliflower wings with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and a splash of soy sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.

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