• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Asian Inspired Eats Food Blog
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Snacks

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings (Easy and Crispy)

    August 1, 2023 · Published: July 31, 2023 By: Asian Inspired Eats 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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!

    A fork inserted into a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    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!

    A fork lifting a teriyaki cauliflower wing over a bowl of cauliflower wings.
    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.]

    Labeled ingredients on a marble surface for making Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings.

    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.
    Raw cauliflower florets in a white bowl on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    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.]

    A whisk inserted into white bowl filled with milk on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    1. Whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    Cauliflower florets being dredged in white bowl of Panko bread crumbs with unbreaded cauliflower florets in a white bowl on the side, on top of a marble surface with a white napkin and a wooden spoon.

    2. Toss the cauliflower into the milk mixture and dredge each into the bread crumbs.

    Breaded cauliflower florets in an air fryer basket on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    3. Place the dredged cauliflower into the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 15-20 minutes at 350F degrees.

    A small saucepan with soy sauce and other ingredients in small white bowls on the side on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    4. Meanwhile, make the teriyaki sauce on the stove, whisking continuously. Keep warm.

    Cooked, breaded Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings in a white bowl with a side of teriyaki sauce in a small white bowl on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    5. Toss the air-fried cauliflower with the teriyaki sauce until full coated.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions in a white bowl with a side of teriyaki sauce in a small white bowl on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    6. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions in a white bowl on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    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

    Why are my cauliflower wings soggy?

    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.

    Can I use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe?

    I don't recommend using frozen cauliflower. Fresh is always better. Frozen cauliflower will change the texture.

    Can I make this in advance?

    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.
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    A fork inserted into a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings (Easy and Crispy)

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    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

    Units Scale
    • 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

    1. After cutting up the cauliflower into florets, set them aside.
    2. In large bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    3. Place the cauliflower florets into the milk mixture, and toss to coat thoroughly.
    4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. The cauliflower wings are ready when they're crispy and slightly golden brown. Remove and keep warm.

    Make the teriyaki sauce:

    1. While the cauliflower is cooking, make the teriyaki sauce.
    2. 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!
    3. If you want the sauce thicker, slowly add in the corn starch slurry until desired thickness.
    4. Reserve about a ¼ of the sauce for drizzling.

    Assemble the dish:

    1. Place the air-fried cauliflower wings into a large mixing bowl. Toss with the teriyaki sauce, thoroughly coating each wing. 
    2. 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.

    Watch a short video of this recipe.

    • Author: Asian Caucasian
    • 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

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @AsianCaucasianBlog on Instagram and hashtag #AsianCaucasianEats

    A fork inserted into a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top of a marble surface with a white napkin. this recipe

    More Appetizer and Snack recipes

    • Hamachi yellowtail crudo on a white round plate with a yuzu lemon dressing surrounded by shaved radishes and topped with red fish eggs and microgreens.
      Spicy Hamachi (Yellowtail) Crudo
    • Chinese salt and pepper shrimp in a black bowl with sautéed vegetables and herbs, and a pair of chopsticks on top on a gray surface with a gray linen on the side.
      Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp
    • Sushi waffles with salmon and tuna on two round plates with a side of chopsticks on top of a white surface with a napkin on the side.
      Sushi Waffles with Salmon and Tuna
    • A bowl of Furikake chex mix with a linen napkin on the side and a baking tray in the background.
      Furikake Chex Mix Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Debbi Frank says

      July 31, 2023 at 8:48 am

      Yummy and crispy! Loved the sauce! I added the corn starch to make it stickier. 😋😋

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        July 31, 2023 at 8:52 am

        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!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    A profile picture of Lesli Schwartz with Asian Caucasian.

    Hi, I'm Lesli! Welcome to Asian Inspired Eats (formerly Asian Caucasian), a food blog featuring easy and delicious, Asian-inspired recipes for the home cook. I always use market-fresh ingredients to prepare healthy and nutritious recipes, so you can ditch those take-out menus! Come share my culinary love of beautiful Asian-fusion food, and get cooking in the kitchen!

    About me
    • Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon on top of white rice with fork on a white round plate with roasted asparagus on the side.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Recipe - Quick & Easy Dinner
    • Two bowls filled with Chinese curry chicken and potatoes with whole red chili peppers on top all placed on a white wooden board with a white spoon on the side.
      36 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes - The Year of the Snake
    • A white bowl of Thai seafood soup with shrimp, mussels and lime on top of a yellow plate with fresh herbs and a small bowl of rice on the side placed on top of a wooden board.
      53 Asian-Inspired Seafood Recipes to Make at Home
    • A vibrant Vegan Asian Noodle Salad in a dark gray bowl topped with black chopsticks on a round wooden board with a linen napkin and small bowl of dressing on the side.
      Vegan Asian Noodle Salad with Homemade Peanut Sauce

    Featured In:

    Seriously Good Chili Cookbook!

    My Asian-Spiced Pork Chili recipe was featured in celebrity chef Brian Baumgartner's best-selling cookbook, "Seriously Good Chili Cookbook." You probably know Brian as Kevin Malone on NBC's major hit series, "The Office!"

    Get the Recipe!
    Asian Inspired Eats featured in Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Work with Us
    • Featured In

    © 2016-2023 Asian Inspired Eats

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
    If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to this post for the original recipe.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    A fork inserted into a white bowl filled with Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings topped with sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top of a marble surface with a white napkin.