Give sticky sesame cauliflower takeout a healthy twist with this batter-free, air-fried version! It's addictively delicious, ultra-crispy, and naturally vegan! Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
- FAQs
- Pro Recipe Tips
- How to Serve Crispy Sesame Cauliflower
- Storage Instructions
- More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes to Consider....
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Air-Fried)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Over the last few years, I've really gotten into this whole 'fakeout' thing. I mean, being able to swap my favorite takeout dishes with healthier alternatives that cost less, are guaranteed to fit my diet, that I can enjoy from home, usually with minimal effort but tons of flavor, what's not to love?! This time, I'm making air-fried sticky sesame cauliflower.
In this air fryer sesame cauliflower recipe, crispy air-fried cauliflower is smothered in a sweet, savory, tangy, sesame glaze (optionally gluten-free and refined sugar-free), transforming cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing, child-approved (!), main loved by vegans and non-vegans alike. Serve it as an appetizer or pair it with rice (like this perfect instant pot jasmine rice), noodles (like this cold noodle salad), or lettuce cups for guaranteed happy bellies in just 30 minutes!
Looking for more vegan Asian-inspired mains? Try Bang Bang broccoli, vegan mushroom miso soup, and/or vegan mandarin chicken ramen noodle salad.
The Ingredients
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and quantities.
Recipe Variations
- Spice: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to the sauce for spicy sesame cauliflower.
- Lemon/lime juice: Adds further bright, tangy depth to sticky cauliflower.
- Tomato puree: Just a little adds a tangy, savory richness.
- Hoisin sauce: A small splash adds sweet and tangy depth.
How to Make Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Step 1: First, trim and chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Then, toss them with the oil in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Step 2: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 15-18 minutes at 400°F/200 °C, shaking halfway, until golden with crispy edges.
Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in a pan or skillet and bring to a light boil over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch and water into a smooth slurry, then add it to the sesame sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, until thickened.
Step 4: Toss the cauliflower in the sticky sesame sauce until fully coated, and serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Optionally, broil the sticky sesame cauliflower bites for a few minutes after tossing with sauce for a thicker, drier coating and crispy edges.
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FAQs
Sure! Spread it in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and bake at 425°F/220 °C for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Homemade sesame sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months, and roasted cauliflower lasts several days. For the crispiest cauliflower, store and reheat separately, then toss to combine.
Sure - You could try a 3:1 (2:1 for an even lighter batter) flour to cornstarch/arrowroot ratio with enough water to form a pancake-style batter. Alternatively, adapt the breadcrumb batter from my Bang Bang Cauliflower.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Use even-sized florets: So they air fry evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the tray: For the crispiest roasted cauliflower. Overcrowding leads to steaming and soggy, sad cauliflower.
- Tweak the flavors: E.g., more or less sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, etc., to taste - make it work for you!
- Adjust sauce consistency: Add more water for a thinner sauce or more cornstarch for a thicker one.
How to Serve Crispy Sesame Cauliflower
Just like takeout sesame cauliflower bites, this pairs deliciously with:
- Rice (like this perfect instant pot basmati rice) or noodles
- Stir-fry veggies
- A bed of leafy greens (or over my ramen noodle cabbage salad)
- In lettuce wraps or these vegan hummus wraps
- In a vegan sushi bowl/ poke bowl
Storage Instructions
Fridge: In an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: In a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator - the cauliflower will be soft.
Reheat: In the oven (at 375F/190C until hot) or in a microwave (in 30-second spurts - it will be soft).
More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes to Consider....
If you tried this sticky sesame cauliflower (air-fried) recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Air-Fried)
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower chopped into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Green onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with oil until well coated.
- Place the cauliflower in the basket of an air fryer in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Add an additional 5 minutes if needed, until golden and slightly crispy. Avoid overcooking.
- While the cauliflower cooks, in a large pan or skillet, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Bring to a light boil over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water until fully dissolved. Slowly pour the slurry into the pan, whisking continuously. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once the cauliflower is ready, add it to the pan and gently toss until the florets are fully coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- Use even-sized florets: So they air fry evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the tray: For the crispiest roasted cauliflower. Overcrowding leads to steaming and soggy, sad cauliflower.
- Tweak the flavors: E.g., more or less sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, etc., to taste - make it work for you!
- Adjust sauce consistency: Add more water for a thinner sauce or more cornstarch for a thicker one.
Andrea says
Love how flavorful this cauli turns out!