If you're looking for a healthier alternative to chicken wings, this Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings recipe is just what you need! With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these cauliflower florets transform into crispy, glazed bites that are sure to please. And, it only takes 20 minutes to make!
The air fryer is a wondrous kitchen tool! It will transform these humble cauliflower florets into a crispy, delicious appetizer or side dish. Easy to make, and bursting with umami goodness, these Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are destined to become a hit at your next gathering!
In This Article:
- Ingredients you'll need for air fryer teriyaki cauliflower wings
- Variations and substitutions
- How to make air fryer teriyaki cauliflower wings
- What to serve with teriyaki cauliflower wings
- Storage instructions
- How to reheat teriyaki cauliflower wings
- Common FAQ's
- Want more recipes like this one?
- Recipe notes
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings (Easy and Crispy)
These easy air fryer cauliflower wings were inspired by my Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe. These sticky wings are baked (not fried), are so finger-lickin' good, and make the perfect tailgate finger food!
Ingredients you'll need for air fryer teriyaki cauliflower wings
[*See recipe card for exact quantities.]
You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge. No running around from store to store required!
- Cauliflower florets. You can buy a whole cauliflower and cut it up, or buy the bag of already-cut florets.
- Milk. All types of milk will work here. See alternatives milk below.
- Flour. All-purpose flour is typically called for in this recipe. See alternatives below.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Panko bread crumbs
- Scallions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Low-sodium soy sauce. See below for gluten-free options.
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
Variations and substitutions
- Make this vegan. To make this recipe vegan, use soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. It will not change the flavor of this recipe.
- Make this gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour, gluten-free Panko bread crumbs and gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos (or store-bought, gluten-free teriyaki sauce).
- Corn starch. To make the sauce thicker and stickier, whisk one teaspoon of corn starch mixed with 2 teaspoons of water into the sauce.
- Stir sauce continuously. So the teriyaki sauce doesn't burn, stir continuously once it starts to boil.
- Bottled teriyaki sauce. Feel free to use your favorite bottled teriyaki sauce if you don't want to make this homemade version.
TOP TIP: Try to cut the cauliflower florets into the same sized pieces so that everything cooks evenly.
How to make air fryer teriyaki cauliflower wings
[*See recipe card for detailed instructions.]
1. Whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the cauliflower into the milk mixture and dredge each into the bread crumbs.
3. Place the dredged cauliflower into the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes at 350F degrees.
4. Meanwhile, make the teriyaki sauce on the stove, whisking continuously. Keep warm.
5. Toss the air-fried cauliflower with the teriyaki sauce until full coated.
6. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
TOP TIP: This delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings recipe easily adapts to either a vegan or gluten-free version. For vegan, simply sub out the regular milk for a plant-based milk. For gluten-free, sub out the soy sauce for either a gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos. And, sub out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour, and the Panko bread crumbs for gluten-free Panko bread crumbs.
What to serve with teriyaki cauliflower wings
- Rice. Any type of rice would be a great side with these cauliflower wings. Try white rice, brown rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice, you name it!
- Roasted veggies. So many options here, like roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus, green beans, and cauliflower!
- Salads. A complete meal wouldn't be the same without a fresh salad on the side. Choose from a variety of easy and delicious salad recipes!
Storage instructions
For leftovers: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or, you can freeze the wings in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How to reheat teriyaki cauliflower wings
From the fridge: Preheat the air fryer to 350F degrees. Air fry for 4-6 minutes until crispy.
From the freezer: Preheat the air fryer to 350F degrees. Air fry for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Common FAQ's
Adding too much sauce can create soggy wings. Be sure to tap your florets on the side of the bowl after coating them to remove any excess batter.
I don't recommend using frozen cauliflower. Fresh is always better. Frozen cauliflower will change the texture.
The answer is yes, and no. Making the teriyaki sauce in advance is a time-saver. Just heat it up on the stove on a low setting so as not to burn the sauce. However, air frying the cauliflower wings in advance might make them wilted, and not as crisp, so I don't recommend it.
Want more recipes like this one?
If you liked this Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings recipe, you're going to want these air fryer recipes too!
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang
- Air Fryer Falafel Balls
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fryer Vegan Avocado Rolls
- Air Fryer Chickpeas - Crispy and Spicy
Recipe notes
- It's best to cut the cauliflower florets into the same sized pieces so they will air fry evenly.
- Dry the cauliflower florets before dredging or the batter will not adhere as well.
- Shake off the excess batter from the florets or you'll have a mess at the bottom of the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer or the cauliflower will stick together. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overlap the florets. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings (Easy and Crispy)
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to chicken wings, these Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are just what you need! With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these cauliflower florets transform into crispy, glazed bites that are sure to please. And, it only takes 20 minutes to make!
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into even sized florets
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups Panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
For the teriyaki sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Corn starch slurry (optional)
For the garnish:
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- After cutting up the cauliflower into florets, set them aside.
- In large bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cauliflower florets into the milk mixture, and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the Panko bread crumbs in another bowl. Dredge the cauliflower florets into the bread crumbs to thoroughly coat, a few florets at a time.
- Tap off any excess bread crumb batter and place the florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overlap. (You may have to cook these in batches.) Air fry at 350F degrees for 15-20 minutes (depending on your air fryer), tossing halfway through.
- The cauliflower wings are ready when they're crispy and slightly golden brown. Remove and keep warm.
Make the teriyaki sauce:
- While the cauliflower is cooking, make the teriyaki sauce.
- Add all of the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat, and slowly whisk until the sauce has thickened (about 10 minutes). Watch carefully so as not to burn!
- If you want the sauce thicker, slowly add in the corn starch slurry until desired thickness.
- Reserve about a ¼ of the sauce for drizzling.
Assemble the dish:
- Place the air-fried cauliflower wings into a large mixing bowl. Toss with the teriyaki sauce, thoroughly coating each wing.
- Place the teriyaki cauliflower wings on a serving platter and drizzle with more sauce. Garnish with the scallions and sesame seeds, and serve with any extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- It's best to cut the cauliflower florets into the same sized pieces so they will air fry evenly.
- Dry the cauliflower florets before dredging or the batter will not adhere as well.
- Shake off the excess batter from the florets or you'll have a mess at the bottom of the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer or the cauliflower will stick together. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overlap the florets. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 31.4 g
- Sodium: 955.3 mg
- Fat: 3.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 79.3 g
- Protein: 14.7 g
- Cholesterol: 1.2 mg
Debbi Frank says
Yummy and crispy! Loved the sauce! I added the corn starch to make it stickier. 😋😋
Asian Caucasian says
So happy you liked these crispy cauliflower wings! I also like the teriyaki sauce a bit stickier. Hope this recipe will be on repeat in your house!