These crispy air fryer cauliflower wings are coated in a spicy sesame garlic sauce. They’re easy to make, both vegan and gluten-free, and the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Vegan & gluten-free
- Easy to make
- Crispy texture
- Packed with flavor
Ingredients:
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular AP flour)
- 2/3 cup plain non-dairy milk (e.g., almond milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
Spicy Sesame 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
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water

Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into medium or small florets.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until well coated.
- Toss the coated cauliflower in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
Step 2: Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Add half of the cauliflower to the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry for 10-13 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Sesame Sauce
- Heat the oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden brown.
- Add the grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 more minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha. Whisk well to combine.
- In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to the sauce and bring to a low boil. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the sesame sauce over the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or over jasmine or cauliflower rice for a main dish.
Tips & Variations:
- No Breading: For a lighter option, air fry the cauliflower with just a drizzle of oil and toss in the sesame sauce.
- Broccoli Substitute: Swap cauliflower for broccoli; reduce air frying time by about 3 minutes.
- Alternative Sauces: Replace the sesame sauce with BBQ or buffalo sauce for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone appetizer with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Pair with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying main dish.
Storage:
These cauliflower wings are best served fresh. Once sauced, they lose their crispness quickly. Avoid making them ahead of time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 11g
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful air fryer cauliflower wings for your next gathering or weeknight dinner! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how it turned out.
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