Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings

Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings: A Crispy, Flavorful Plant-Based Delight

Looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional wings? These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are the perfect plant-based option that offers all the crispiness and flavor you crave, without the heaviness of fried chicken. Coated in a spicy sesame sauce, these cauliflower wings are perfect for game day, as an appetizer, or even as a light dinner. The air fryer gives them a perfect crunch, and the sweet and spicy sauce makes them irresistibly good.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
• ⅔ cup plain non-dairy milk (such as almond milk)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs

For the Spicy Sesame Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons water (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower
   Start by cutting the cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Batter and Coat the Cauliflower
   In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, non-dairy milk, garlic powder, and salt to form a smooth batter. Toss the cauliflower florets into the batter until they are evenly coated. Afterward, mix in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece of cauliflower is fully covered for extra crispiness.
3. Air Fry the Cauliflower
   Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Once preheated, place half of the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Fry for 10-13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower florets.
4. Prepare the Spicy Sesame Sauce
   While the cauliflower is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the grated ginger and cook for an additional minute.
5. Make the Sauce
   To the saucepan, add the soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sriracha (if you prefer extra heat). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. In a small dish, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then pour the mixture into the saucepan. Bring the sauce to a low boil, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in the Sauce
   Once the cauliflower wings are crispy and golden, toss them in the spicy sesame sauce until they are evenly coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the cauliflower wings on a platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. These wings are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.

Cooking Tips:

• If you prefer extra crispy wings, leave the cauliflower in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of gochujang and sriracha.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 13 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

These Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate snack or meal for anyone looking for a healthier, plant-based alternative to classic wings. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor from the savory sesame sauce. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to add more vegetables to your diet, these wings are sure to satisfy!

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