Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower

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Golden, crispy, and utterly addictive, Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower transforms a humble vegetable into an irresistible bite-sized treat. Each floret is perfectly air-fried to a delightful crunch, then coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sesame sauce that will have you licking your fingers clean. It’s the perfect balance of flavor and texture — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

This dish is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas, a healthy snack, or a party appetizer that will wow your guests, Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower delivers every time. Plus, it’s vegan, budget-friendly, and an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

For the sesame sauce:

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets. This ensures they cook uniformly and get that perfect crispy texture. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the batter stick better.

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Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter. In a separate shallow bowl, pour out the panko breadcrumbs for coating.

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Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until it’s fully coated. Set the coated florets on a plate or baking sheet as you go.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

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Step 5: Make the Sesame Sauce

While the cauliflower is air frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

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Step 6: Toss and Garnish

Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sticky sesame sauce over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a final touch of freshness and crunch.

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Storage Instructions

To store your Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower, allow the florets to cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cauliflower soggy.

If you want to freeze them, it’s better to freeze the cauliflower before tossing them in sauce. Once they’re air-fried and cooled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat straight from frozen and toss in freshly made sesame sauce before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Note: Values are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup work great, depending on your preference for sweetness and diet.

How do I keep the cauliflower crispy after adding the sauce?

Toss the florets very gently and serve immediately after coating. The longer they sit, the softer they’ll become.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default! But you can add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a spicy kick.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can whisk the dry ingredients ahead of time and just add water when you’re ready.

How long will the sesame sauce last?

Stored separately in the fridge, the sauce will stay good for up to one week.

What sides pair well with Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower?

It’s fantastic with steamed rice, quinoa, or even tucked into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!

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