Honey Garlic Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce by combining the 80 mL (⅓ cup) honey, 80 mL (⅓ cup) reduced sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, 30 mL (2 tablespoons) apple cider vinegar, 22.5 mL (1 ½ tablespoons) Worcestershire sauce, 10 mL (2 teaspoons) sesame oil, 120 mL (½ cup) water, and 15 mL (1 tablespoon) cornstarch in a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and prevents lumps.

Continuously whisk the sauce mixture as it heats, allowing it to gently bubble and thicken. This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a smooth, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Arrange two medium-sized bowls side-by-side. In the first bowl, whisk together the 120 mL (½ cup) all-purpose flour, 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) salt, and 1.25 mL (¼ teaspoon) garlic powder until well combined. Gradually add the 120 mL (½ cup) milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly until a smooth, lump-free batter is formed.

In the second bowl, add the 60 grams (1 cup) Panko breadcrumbs. Ensure a generous layer of Panko for even coating.

Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding, immerse the cauliflower florets into the wet batter, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Gently shake off any excess batter, allowing it to drip back into the bowl.

Immediately transfer the batter-coated cauliflower florets to the bowl of Panko breadcrumbs. Toss and press the Panko onto the cauliflower, ensuring a thick, even coating on all sides. Transfer the breaded florets to a clean plate or baking sheet and continue the process with the remaining cauliflower.

Allow it to preheat for at least 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature for maximum crispiness.

Once preheated, carefully arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is acceptable for the pieces to touch slightly, but they should not overlap, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. You may need to cook in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

After this initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer, flip each cauliflower piece, and gently shake the basket to redistribute. Continue cooking for an additional 2-5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is uniformly golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The exact time may vary by air fryer model.

Once a batch of cauliflower is cooked through and perfectly crispy, immediately transfer it to a large mixing bowl. If your honey garlic sauce has cooled significantly, gently warm it over low heat for a minute or two to ensure it's fluid enough for coating.

Pour or spoon a generous amount of the warm honey garlic sauce over the cooked cauliflower in the mixing bowl. Toss gently using tongs or a spatula until all the cauliflower pieces are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. Shake off any excessive sauce clinging to the florets.

Transfer the sauced cauliflower wings to a clean serving plate. Garnish immediately with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.