Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings Delight

August 24, 2025 by Mia

Are you ready to enjoy a tasty twist on your favorite snack? These Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy they are to make. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a fun dish, this recipe has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get you started on this delicious journey!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)

Cauliflower is the star of this dish. It provides a great texture and absorbs flavors well. The all-purpose flour gives the wings a nice crunch. Cornstarch helps achieve that golden crispiness everyone loves. Gochujang adds a sweet and spicy kick, making it essential for our sauce.

Seasonings and Sauces

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

Garlic powder adds a savory depth. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor that complements the dish. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness, balancing the heat from gochujang.

Garnishes

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped

Sesame seeds add crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Chopped green onions provide freshness and a pop of color. These garnishes make your dish look appealing and taste even better.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

Rinse and Cut: Start by rinsing your cauliflower under cold water. This helps remove dirt and keeps it fresh. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces about the same size for even cooking.
Ensuring Even Size: Uniform size matters. It helps each piece cook at the same rate. If some pieces are large, they may not get as crispy.

Making the Batter

Combining Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until they blend well.
Adding Water to Batter: Gradually add 1 cup of cold water to the dry mix. Whisk it until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Air Frying the Cauliflower

Preheating the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key for a crispy texture.
Cooking Times and Techniques: Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them crisp up evenly.

Preparing the BBQ Sauce

Combining Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of gochujang, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir until smooth.
Adjusting for Heat or Sweetness: Taste the sauce. If you like it spicier, add more gochujang. If you want it sweeter, add more honey.

Tossing and Serving

Coating the Cauliflower Wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the hot cauliflower. Toss them gently until fully coated.
Best Serving Practices: For a beautiful finish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm for the best taste. Enjoy these wings as a main dish or an appetizer!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Crispiness

Air Fryer Temperature Tips

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This heat cooks the cauliflower well. It helps the batter turn crispy. I find this temperature makes a huge difference. If it’s too low, the wings become soggy.

Cooking in Batches

Do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you pile the cauliflower, they won’t crisp up. Cook them in batches instead. This way, every piece gets enough hot air. You’ll love the crunchiness that comes from this method.

Flavor Enhancements

Spice Adjustments

Want more heat? Add extra gochujang to your batter or sauce. You can also mix in some chili flakes for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder taste, use less gochujang. Always taste your sauce as you mix.

Additional Garnishes

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add great flavor and color. You can also try adding crushed peanuts for a crunchy twist. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Batter Consistency

If your batter is too thick, add a bit more cold water. The right thickness helps coat the cauliflower well. If it’s too runny, add a little flour or cornstarch. You want it to cling to the florets but not drip off.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Every air fryer works a bit differently. If your wings aren’t golden after 15-20 minutes, check them. You may need a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Perfect timing leads to perfect wings!

Variations

Different Flavor Profiles

You can change the flavor of your Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings. Here are two fun ideas:

Spicy Garlic Variation: Add more garlic powder and a bit of red pepper flakes. This gives the wings a nice kick. Mix these into the batter before you coat the cauliflower. It makes each bite spicy and full of flavor.
Sweet and Sour Version: For a twist, use pineapple juice instead of water in the batter. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to the BBQ sauce. This gives the wings a sweet and tangy taste that balances the heat of gochujang.

Dietary Adaptations

You can easily adapt these wings to fit your diet.

Gluten-Free Substitutions: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the texture the same while making it safe for gluten-free diets. Tamari can replace soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
Vegan-Friendly Options: Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option. This keeps the wings sweet without using animal products. Make sure to check your gochujang for any non-vegan ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are great on their own, but you can make them even better.

Pairing with Dips: Serve with a side of soy sauce or a spicy mayo. These dips add extra flavor to the wings. You can also try a cool yogurt dip to balance the heat.
Side Dish Ideas: Serve the wings with a crisp salad or steamed rice. Both pair well and make for a full meal. You can also add some pickled vegetables for a fun crunch.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the wings in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

When you want to eat them again, reheating is easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the wings for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and tasty.

Freezing Options

If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great choice. First, let the wings cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the wings in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, reheat in the air fryer as mentioned above.

Best Practices for Freshness

To keep your wings at their best, use good containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure they are airtight to keep out moisture and air.

Knowing how long they last is key. In the fridge, they are best within 4 days. In the freezer, they stay good for 3 months. Following these tips helps you enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings for longer!

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

To make the wings extra crispy, first, check your air fryer settings. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the batter cook evenly.

Next, use a light coating of oil on the basket. It prevents sticking and adds crispiness.

When cooking, shake the basket halfway through. This action ensures even cooking and browning all over. If you want an even crispier texture, try air frying in small batches. Less crowded wings cook better.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, you need to make some cooking adjustments.

First, thaw the cauliflower completely. Pat it dry with a towel to remove extra moisture. A dry floret helps the batter stick better.

Next, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Check for a golden color and crispy texture.

For the best results, use fresh cauliflower when possible. It gives a better crunch and flavor.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, there are some alternative sauces you can try.

Sriracha or chili paste works well for heat. Mix in a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of gochujang.

You can also use a mix of miso paste and hot sauce. This option gives a unique flavor profile.

Feel free to customize the flavor. Experiment with what you have in your kitchen to find your favorite mix!

This post covers how to make delicious cauliflower wings. We included fresh ingredients, like cauliflower and gochujang. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving.

Use our tips for crispiness and troubleshooting. Experiment with variations and storage ideas to enjoy later. Dive into this tasty recipe and make it your own! Your culinary adventure starts with a simple head of cauliflower. Happy cooking!

$- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste) Cauliflower is the star of this dish. It provides a great texture and absorbs flavors well. The all-purpose flour gives the wings a nice crunch. Cornstarch helps achieve that golden crispiness everyone loves. Gochujang adds a sweet and spicy kick, making it essential for our sauce. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Garlic powder adds a savory depth. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor that complements the dish. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness, balancing the heat from gochujang. - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Green onions, chopped Sesame seeds add crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Chopped green onions provide freshness and a pop of color. These garnishes make your dish look appealing and taste even better. - Rinse and Cut: Start by rinsing your cauliflower under cold water. This helps remove dirt and keeps it fresh. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces about the same size for even cooking. - Ensuring Even Size: Uniform size matters. It helps each piece cook at the same rate. If some pieces are large, they may not get as crispy. - Combining Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until they blend well. - Adding Water to Batter: Gradually add 1 cup of cold water to the dry mix. Whisk it until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. - Preheating the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key for a crispy texture. - Cooking Times and Techniques: Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them crisp up evenly. - Combining Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of gochujang, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir until smooth. - Adjusting for Heat or Sweetness: Taste the sauce. If you like it spicier, add more gochujang. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. - Coating the Cauliflower Wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the hot cauliflower. Toss them gently until fully coated. - Best Serving Practices: For a beautiful finish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm for the best taste. Enjoy these wings as a main dish or an appetizer! Air Fryer Temperature Tips Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This heat cooks the cauliflower well. It helps the batter turn crispy. I find this temperature makes a huge difference. If it's too low, the wings become soggy. Cooking in Batches Do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you pile the cauliflower, they won't crisp up. Cook them in batches instead. This way, every piece gets enough hot air. You’ll love the crunchiness that comes from this method. Spice Adjustments Want more heat? Add extra gochujang to your batter or sauce. You can also mix in some chili flakes for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder taste, use less gochujang. Always taste your sauce as you mix. Additional Garnishes Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These add great flavor and color. You can also try adding crushed peanuts for a crunchy twist. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! Batter Consistency If your batter is too thick, add a bit more cold water. The right thickness helps coat the cauliflower well. If it’s too runny, add a little flour or cornstarch. You want it to cling to the florets but not drip off. Cooking Time Adjustments Every air fryer works a bit differently. If your wings aren't golden after 15-20 minutes, check them. You may need a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Perfect timing leads to perfect wings! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings. Here are two fun ideas: - Spicy Garlic Variation: Add more garlic powder and a bit of red pepper flakes. This gives the wings a nice kick. Mix these into the batter before you coat the cauliflower. It makes each bite spicy and full of flavor. - Sweet and Sour Version: For a twist, use pineapple juice instead of water in the batter. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar to the BBQ sauce. This gives the wings a sweet and tangy taste that balances the heat of gochujang. You can easily adapt these wings to fit your diet. - Gluten-Free Substitutions: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the texture the same while making it safe for gluten-free diets. Tamari can replace soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free. - Vegan-Friendly Options: Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option. This keeps the wings sweet without using animal products. Make sure to check your gochujang for any non-vegan ingredients. These wings are great on their own, but you can make them even better. - Pairing with Dips: Serve with a side of soy sauce or a spicy mayo. These dips add extra flavor to the wings. You can also try a cool yogurt dip to balance the heat. - Side Dish Ideas: Serve the wings with a crisp salad or steamed rice. Both pair well and make for a full meal. You can also add some pickled vegetables for a fun crunch. To keep your Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the wings in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, reheating is easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the wings for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and tasty. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great choice. First, let the wings cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the wings in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, reheat in the air fryer as mentioned above. To keep your wings at their best, use good containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure they are airtight to keep out moisture and air. Knowing how long they last is key. In the fridge, they are best within 4 days. In the freezer, they stay good for 3 months. Following these tips helps you enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings for longer! To make the wings extra crispy, first, check your air fryer settings. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the batter cook evenly. Next, use a light coating of oil on the basket. It prevents sticking and adds crispiness. When cooking, shake the basket halfway through. This action ensures even cooking and browning all over. If you want an even crispier texture, try air frying in small batches. Less crowded wings cook better. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, you need to make some cooking adjustments. First, thaw the cauliflower completely. Pat it dry with a towel to remove extra moisture. A dry floret helps the batter stick better. Next, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Check for a golden color and crispy texture. For the best results, use fresh cauliflower when possible. It gives a better crunch and flavor. If you don't have gochujang, there are some alternative sauces you can try. Sriracha or chili paste works well for heat. Mix in a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of gochujang. You can also use a mix of miso paste and hot sauce. This option gives a unique flavor profile. Feel free to customize the flavor. Experiment with what you have in your kitchen to find your favorite mix! This post covers how to make delicious cauliflower wings. We included fresh ingredients, like cauliflower and gochujang. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving. Use our tips for crispiness and troubleshooting. Experiment with variations and storage ideas to enjoy later. Dive into this tasty recipe and make it your own! Your culinary adventure starts with a simple head of cauliflower. Happy cooking!$