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If you’re looking for a crispy, flavor-packed snack that’s just as satisfying as traditional wings, then these Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are for you! They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, sticky homemade teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.
A Crispy, Sweet & Savory Delight That Will Keep You Coming Back for More!
Made in the air fryer, these wings get that perfect crunch without deep frying—so they’re a healthier alternative to traditional wings. Plus, they’re vegetarian, easily made vegan, and so addictive that even meat lovers won’t be able to resist!
What Makes These Wings So Good?
🔥 Crispy Air-Fried Perfection – No grease, no mess—just golden, crunchy bites.
🍯 Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Sauce – The perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of garlic-ginger warmth.
🌱 100% Plant-Based – A delicious alternative to chicken wings that’s just as satisfying.
⚡ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and ready in under 40 minutes!
These teriyaki cauliflower wings are great for game nights, parties, or a quick and easy dinner. Trust me—once you try them, you won’t stop craving them!
What You’ll Need 🛒
For the Cauliflower Wings:
🥦 1 head of cauliflower – Cut into bite-sized florets.
🍞 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs – For that extra crispy coating.
🥛 1 cup milk (any type, soy milk used in this recipe) – Helps the batter stick.
🌾 ½ cup flour – The base of the batter.
🧄 ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor.
🧅 ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory taste.
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
⚫ ¼ teaspoon black pepper – For a hint of spice.
🧄 1 scallion (sliced, for garnish) – Adds freshness.
🌿 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) – A finishing touch of crunch and flavor.
For the Sticky Teriyaki Sauce:
💧 ½ cup water – Creates the perfect sauce consistency.
🥢 ¼ cup soy sauce – The base of the rich, umami-packed sauce.
🍯 ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth.
🍯 2 tablespoons honey – Makes the sauce glossy and sticky (swap for maple syrup for a vegan option).
🧄 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Essential for flavor.
🫚 1 tablespoon ginger (minced) – Brings warmth and spice.
🌽 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce) – Helps the sauce cling to the cauliflower.
How to Make the Best Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower Wings 🥦
1️⃣ Wash & Cut – Rinse the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets.
2️⃣ Make the Batter – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3️⃣ Coat the Cauliflower – Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4️⃣ Panko Perfection – Roll the coated florets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
Why Panko? These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy, light texture that makes every bite satisfying!
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer 🍲🔥
1️⃣ Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes.
2️⃣ Arrange the Cauliflower – Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd them!).
3️⃣ Cook for 20 Minutes – Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
4️⃣ Golden & Crunchy – Once they’re golden brown and crispy, they’re ready for the sauce!
No Air Fryer? You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Teriyaki Sauce 🍯
While your cauliflower is cooking, it’s time to make the rich, glossy teriyaki sauce!
1️⃣ Combine Ingredients – In a small saucepan, mix together water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
2️⃣ Simmer to Perfection – Cook over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional) – If you prefer a stickier sauce, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Pro Tip: The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, so don’t overcook it!
Step 4: Coat the Wings & Garnish 🌟
1️⃣ Toss the Crispy Cauliflower – Transfer the hot cauliflower to a large mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Pour on the Teriyaki Sauce – Drizzle the warm, sticky sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
3️⃣ Garnish for the Finishing Touch – Sprinkle with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
LOOKING FOR EXTRA CRISP? Instead of tossing, serve the sauce on the side as a dip!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽
Enjoy your crispy, saucy teriyaki cauliflower wings fresh and hot! These are best served right away, while they’re still crispy.
🥢 As an appetizer? Serve with extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.
🍚 As a meal? Pair with steamed rice or noodles.
🌱 Make it a bowl? Add roasted veggies and avocado for a nourishing teriyaki cauliflower bowl.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat for Crispiness: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes or bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Freeze? Not recommended—they’ll lose their crunch.
Fun Variations to Try!
🔥 Spicy Teriyaki Wings – Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
🍋 Citrus Teriyaki Wings – Stir in 1 tbsp fresh orange juice & zest for a tangy twist.
🥥 Coconut Teriyaki Wings – Add 1 tbsp coconut milk to the sauce for a rich, tropical flavor.
Try our other recipes too: Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible! and Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – Light, Fluffy, and Delicious!
Recommended Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks!) 🛒
Air Fryer – For the crispiest cauliflower wings without frying. The Secret to Extra-Crispy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
For perfectly crispy, golden-brown Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings, the Ninja Air Fryer is a game-changer! This 4-in-1 air fryer crisps up cauliflower with 75% less oil, giving you that irresistible crunch without deep frying. With a wide temperature range (105°F-400°F) and nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts, it makes healthy, mess-free cooking effortless.
Mixing Bowls – Perfect for battering and tossing
Prepping Crispy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings is easier with the COOK WITH COLOR 12-Piece Mixing Bowl Set. These nesting bowls are great for coating cauliflower in batter, tossing in seasoning, and storing leftovers with their airtight lids. Made from BPA-free, microwave, and dishwasher-safe material, they’re perfect for mess-free cooking.
Small Saucepan – Ideal for making homemade teriyaki sauce.
Make the sticky, flavorful teriyaki sauce for your Crispy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings effortlessly with the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Saucepan Set. This set of two (1QT & 2QT) is perfect for simmering homemade teriyaki glaze, boiling noodles, or reheating leftovers. With even heat distribution and a nonstick coating, cleanup is quick and easy.
Tongs – Helps coat the wings evenly in sauce.
For crispy, evenly coated Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings, the POPCO Silicone Tongs Set is a must-have! This set of three (7″, 9″, 12″) gives you full control when flipping cauliflower in the air fryer, tossing it in sticky teriyaki sauce, or serving it up fresh. With heat-resistant, non-stick-safe silicone tips, these tongs prevent scratching and offer a secure grip.
Final Thoughts
These Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate plant-based snack—crispy, saucy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re serving them for game night, a party, or just a delicious meal, they’re guaranteed to be a huge hit!
Try them today, and let me know how you like them!
What’s Next?
✔Make them now & comment below with your thoughts!
✔ Share with friends who love healthy snacks!
✔ Save this recipe for future cravings!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and savory cauliflower wings! 🥢🔥
Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk (any type; soy milk used in this recipe)
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 scallion, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower WingsWash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets.In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.Roll the coated florets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
- Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower WingsPreheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki SauceWhile the cauliflower is cooking, make the teriyaki sauce:In a small saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger.Cook over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.If you prefer a stickier sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Step 4: Coat & GarnishOnce the cauliflower florets are crispy and golden, transfer them to a bowl.Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Step 5: Serve & EnjoyServe immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or main course!