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Easy Sticky Sesame Cauliflower (Air-Fried)

Ingredients

• 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!
• 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.
• 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).
• 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!
• ▢ 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)

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