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Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Recipe

Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sesame Cauliflower embraces crispy, golden perfection straight from the air fryer, delivering Asian-inspired comfort with minimal effort. Delicate florets coated in tangy sauce promise a flavor explosion that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch

Seasoning and Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the air fryer to 380°F, preparing a spacious mixing vessel for the cauliflower florets and olive oil.
  2. Create a dry seasoning blend by whisking cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate container.
  3. Thoroughly coat the cauliflower with the seasoned cornstarch mixture, ensuring each floret is evenly covered.
  4. Carefully distribute the seasoned cauliflower across the air fryer basket, maintaining a single layer for optimal crispiness.
  5. Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for 20-25 minutes, pausing midway to agitate the florets for uniform browning.
  6. While the cauliflower crisps, prepare the glaze by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic in a simmering saucepan.
  7. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing water and cornstarch, then incorporate into the sauce to achieve a glossy, thickened consistency.
  8. Once cauliflower achieves a golden-brown exterior, transfer to a serving dish and generously drizzle with the prepared sauce.
  9. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
  10. Serve immediately to preserve the cauliflower’s crisp texture and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Notes

  • Check cauliflower size for even cooking, cutting larger florets into smaller, uniform pieces ensures crispy texture throughout.
  • Shake basket midway prevents sticking and promotes golden-brown crispiness on all sides of the cauliflower.
  • Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the rich umami flavor profile.
  • Pat cauliflower completely dry before coating with cornstarch mixture to maximize crunchiness and help seasoning adhere better.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg