Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings: A Weeknight Win (Print Version)

Get crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings, perfect for a quick snack or light dinner. Easy, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan

# Ingredients:

→ Cauliflower & Coating Base

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-2 inch florets
02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
04 - 1/2 cup water

→ Sauce Essentials

05 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave)
08 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
09 - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish

10 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
13 - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

→ Dipping & Serving

14 - Vegan ranch or spicy mayo (optional)
15 - White rice or noodles (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your cauliflower chopped into bite-sized florets. I aim for pieces about 1-2 inches, so they cook evenly. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, and water until you have a smooth, pancake-like batter. It should be thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but not gloopy. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, flour dust everywhere! Make sure there are no lumps; a smooth batter means an even, crispy coat for your Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings.
02 - Now for the fun part! Add your cauliflower florets to the batter. Use your hands, or a spatula, to really get every single piece thoroughly coated. You want a nice, even layer – this is crucial for that satisfying crunch. I usually do this in batches if my bowl isn't big enough, just to make sure everything gets its fair share of the batter. Don’t be shy, get in there! It feels a bit like a kitchen science experiment, honestly, watching the florets transform.
03 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. And I mean a single layer, friends! Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness, trust me, I learned that the hard way. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’re looking for a light golden-brown color and a tender-crisp texture. This initial fry sets the stage for truly amazing Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings.
04 - While your cauliflower is doing its thing, let’s make the magic sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha. Whisk it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon. The aroma at this stage is just incredible; it always makes my kitchen smell like my favorite takeout spot.
05 - Once your cauliflower is out of the air fryer after its first round, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour that glorious, thickened sesame sauce all over the florets. Toss gently but thoroughly until every single piece is beautifully coated in the sticky, glistening sauce. This is where they really start to look like those irresistible wings! I always make sure to get every nook and cranny covered; no naked cauliflower allowed, honestly.
06 - Return the sauced cauliflower back to the air fryer basket, again, in a single layer if possible. You might need to do this in two batches. Air fry for another 5-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the sauce is caramelized and the cauliflower wings are extra crispy and sticky. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary! The final result should be deeply golden, glistening, and make your mouth water. These Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are ready for their close-up!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer, seriously. Airflow is key for that crispy magic!
02 - Leftovers are great, but a quick reheat in the air fryer brings back the crunch. Fridge for 3 days.
03 - No sriracha? A pinch of red pepper flakes works in a pinch for heat.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that just hits different.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - small saucepan
04 - whisk
05 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 7g

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