Finger-Licking Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Tender cauliflower florets coated in a mouthwatering teriyaki sauce bring a tantalizing twist to classic wing cravings.

These crispy teriyaki cauliflower wings deliver an explosion of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate.

Perfectly baked until golden and delightfully crunchy, this plant-based alternative rivals traditional chicken wings in every delicious bite.

The homemade teriyaki glaze adds a rich, umami-packed punch that makes these wings irresistibly addictive.

Seasoned with just the right blend of spices and baked to crisp perfection, these cauliflower wings offer a healthier yet incredibly satisfying alternative to standard appetizers.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will fall head over heels for this simple yet spectacular dish that turns ordinary cauliflower into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 27 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings

• Tortilla Chips: Provides a crunchy, textured coating with a corn chip flavor that adds extra crunch to the cauliflower.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a smooth base for the batter, helping the coating adhere to the cauliflower.
• Tapioca Flour: Adds crispiness and helps create a light, crisp exterior.
• Milk: Binds the batter ingredients and helps create a smooth, consistent coating.

• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the breading.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a savory, aromatic element to the coating.

• Teriyaki Sauce: Delivers a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the crispy cauliflower.
• Scallions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color as a garnish.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Ranch Dressing: Optional dipping sauce that offers a creamy, cool contrast to the crispy wings.
• Cauliflower: The star ingredient, providing a nutritious and versatile base for the wings.

Air Fryer or Oven Tools You’ll Need

• Blender: Perfect for crushing tortilla chips into textured crumbs.
• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower wings evenly.
• Silicone Mat/Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Medium/Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for creating batter and coating cauliflower.
• Shallow Bowl: Ideal for dredging chips and dipping in teriyaki sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend batter ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping cauliflower into uniform florets.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for precise cauliflower cutting.

Cooking Crunchy Teriyaki Cauliflower the Way

• Cauliflower Preparation

Break down the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, aiming for consistent sizes that will cook evenly and create a perfect crunch.

• Crispy Coating Creation

Blend tortilla chips into rough crumbs, creating a textural base that will deliver an incredible crackly exterior for the wings.

• Batter Magic

Whip together a smooth mixture of flour, milk, and seasonings that will help the crispy coating stick perfectly to each cauliflower piece.

• Coating Process

Dunk each cauliflower piece into the batter, then roll generously in the chip crumbs, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness.

• First Bake

Slide the coated cauliflower into a blazing hot oven, allowing them to transform into golden, crunchy morsels with irresistible texture.

• Teriyaki Glaze

Quickly bathe the baked wings in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creating a glossy and flavor-packed exterior.

• Final Crisp

Return the glazed wings to the oven for a quick blast, intensifying the flavors and ensuring a perfect caramelized finish.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh scallions and sesame seeds, then plate immediately for a show-stopping appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Get the Best Cauliflower Crunch

• Mix different types of crushed chips like corn, potato, or even spicy Doritos for unique flavor profiles and varied textures.
• Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising crispiness.
• Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or sriracha to the batter for an extra kick of heat that complements the sweet teriyaki sauce.
• Prep cauliflower wings in advance by breading and freezing them uncooked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time for perfect crispiness.

Serve Teriyaki Cauliflower as a Snack or Side

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these crispy cauliflower wings on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of ranch, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Meal Companion Delight: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and a crisp Asian-inspired salad for a complete plant-based meal that balances textures and flavors beautifully.
• Flavor Adventure Plate: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds, add fresh green onion slices, and create a colorful presentation that makes these wings look restaurant-worthy and Instagram-ready.
• Protein Power Combo: Pair with edamame beans or grilled tofu for additional protein, transforming these wings into a satisfying and nutritious main course that will impress veggie lovers and meat eaters alike.

Storing Cauliflower Wings Without Losing Crunch

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture best when stored separately from sauce.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Restore crunchiness by placing wings on a wire rack in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare battered and breaded cauliflower florets ahead of time, storing them uncooked in the refrigerator for 24 hours before final baking for maximum convenience.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze unbaked, breaded cauliflower wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month, allowing direct baking from frozen state with slight temperature and time adjustments.

Crispy Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy crunchy teriyaki cauliflower wings deliver a plant-based twist on classic game day snacks with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Saucy, tangy bites will satisfy hungry crowds with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large cauliflower, chopped into even-size florets
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• ¾ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular all-purpose flour)
• 3 tbsps tapioca flour (or arrowroot or corn starch)
• ¾ cup non-dairy milk
• 1 ⅔ cups store-bought teriyaki sauce
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 bunch scallions, finely chopped (mostly greens)
• sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 bottle of ranch dressing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Floret Formation: Slice cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
3. Crispy Coating Creation: Pulverize tortilla chips in a blender, transforming them into a varied-sized crumb mixture for a dynamic exterior coating.
4. Batter Blending: Whisk flour, tapioca flour, milk, seasonings, and spices in a medium bowl, adjusting liquid consistency for perfect batter coverage.
5. Coating Process: Dunk each cauliflower floret thoroughly in the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage, then roll in crushed tortilla chip mixture to create a crunchy exterior.
6. Initial Roasting: Arrange coated florets on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-22 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp appearance.
7. Teriyaki Glazing: Prepare teriyaki sauce in a wide bowl, potentially diluting with water to reach ideal drizzling consistency, then delicately coat each crispy floret completely.
8. Final Baking: Return glazed cauliflower wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the sauce and enhance flavor profile.
9. Garnishing and Serving: Embellish with freshly chopped scallions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately with optional ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Cut cauliflower florets uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout.
• Batter Brilliance: Whisk ingredients thoroughly and adjust liquid ratio for perfect coating that adheres seamlessly to cauliflower.
• Crunch Master Tip: Use varied-sized tortilla chip crumbs for an extraordinary multi-textured exterior that elevates the wing’s crispiness.
• Sauce Strategy: Dilute teriyaki glaze carefully to achieve ideal drizzling consistency without making wings soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg