Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and unique appetizer that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, these crispy wings are coated in a flavorful sesame garlic sauce that packs a punch. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for various diets. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer makes the cauliflower wings perfectly crispy without deep frying.
• Bold Flavor: The spicy sesame garlic sauce gives these wings an irresistible taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side dish to your favorite meals.
• Healthy Option: These cauliflower wings are lower in calories compared to traditional fried wings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Small pot
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool is essential for achieving that crispy texture without excessive oil.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy prep and mixing of ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk helps thoroughly combine wet and dry ingredients for even coating.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 2/3 cup gluten free all purpose flour (or regular AP flour)
• 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (I used almond)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup plain gluten free breadcrumbs

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (see notes)
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha

For Thickening the Sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon water

How to Make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into medium/small florets. Make sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to ensure they are well-coated. Then, add in the breadcrumbs and mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes just a few minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Cauliflower Wings

Once preheated, place half of the coated cauliflower in the air fryer basket in one layer. Cook at 370 degrees for about 10-13 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, heat a small pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and oil; sauté until lightly golden brown. Then add grated ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Add all remaining sauce ingredients except water and cornstarch into the pot. Whisk well to combine everything smoothly.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

In a small dish, whisk together water and cornstarch until dissolved. Add this mixture to your sauce in the pot. Bring it to a low boil then remove from heat to thicken.

Step 9: Toss Cauliflower with Sauce

Once both batches of cauliflower wings are cooked, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Toss with your prepared sauce until evenly coated.

Step 10: Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

These crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings make a great appetizer or snack. Here are some fun serving ideas to enhance your enjoyment.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the savory flavors.
• Peanut Sauce: A creamy peanut sauce can provide a delicious nutty contrast.
• Soy Sauce: Simple yet effective, soy sauce adds an umami punch to the wings.

Serve with Fresh Vegetables

• Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrot sticks offer a refreshing side that balances the richness of the wings.
• Cucumber Slices: Light and crisp, cucumber slices can cleanse the palate between bites.
• Celery Sticks: These add a satisfying crunch and work well with dipping sauces.

Create a Salad Plate

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together leafy greens with a light dressing for a fresh side.
• Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw with cabbage and carrots can complement the Asian flavors of the wings.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Getting your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings just right can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure perfection.

• Use Even Florets: Cut cauliflower into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure crispy results from the start.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate around each wing.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Crispiness: Keep an eye on them; adjust cooking time based on your preference for crispiness.
• Shake Halfway Through Cooking: Give your basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing them to cool briefly helps maintain their crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Serving side dishes alongside Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein, this salad adds a nutritious touch and pairs well with the wings.
2. Rice Noodles: Light and versatile, rice noodles can be served plain or tossed with vegetables for added flavor.
3. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame provides a healthy snack that’s rich in protein and fiber.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables stir-fried in sesame oil can complement the flavors beautifully.
5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that balances the spicy wings.
6. Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice is aromatic and pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes like these wings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the coating: Not properly coating the cauliflower can lead to soggy wings. Ensure each floret is well-coated in the batter and breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.

• Overcrowding the air fryer: Filling the air fryer basket too full can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches to ensure all wings get that perfect crisp.

• Ignoring cooking times: Every air fryer is different. Keep an eye on your cauliflower wings and adjust cooking time based on your desired crispiness.

• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating helps achieve that crunchy exterior. Always preheat your air fryer before adding the cauliflower.

• Using too much sauce: Over-saucing can make the wings soggy. Toss them lightly with sauce after cooking for best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Sauté briefly in a pan over medium heat until warmed and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings:

How can I make Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings spicier?

You can add more sriracha or gochujang to the sauce for extra heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

Can I use different vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! You can try using broccoli or even chickpeas as alternatives for a different flavor profile.

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings?

A sweet chili sauce or tahini-based dip complements these wings nicely, enhancing their flavor.

Are Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, these wings will be suitable for gluten-free diets!

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different sauces or spices based on your preference. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful twist on traditional wing flavors!