Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce

why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Cauliflower with Teriyaki Sauce is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. The cauliflower becomes wonderfully crispy and tender, and the homemade teriyaki sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. With minimal prep and the convenience of the air fryer, you can have a satisfying dish in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep, pairing with other dishes, or even enjoying as a vegetarian main course. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Once simmering, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl and add it to the sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) in a large bowl. Make sure the florets are evenly coated.
3. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
   • Place the seasoned cauliflower florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
   • Air fry the cauliflower for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The cauliflower should be golden brown and tender.
4. Coat with Teriyaki Sauce:
   • Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a serving bowl and drizzle with the prepared teriyaki sauce. Toss the cauliflower to coat evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish or snack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Cauliflower: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Crispy Cauliflower: For extra crispiness, lightly coat the cauliflower with a bit of cornstarch before air frying.
• Add Veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli with the cauliflower for a colorful mix.
• Vegan Version: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure to thaw and pat the cauliflower dry before seasoning and air frying for the best texture.

2. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce to save time. Just make sure to choose one that fits your taste preferences (some may be sweeter or saltier than others).

3. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it before drizzling it over the cauliflower.

4. How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

To make the cauliflower even crispier, lightly coat it with cornstarch or use a small amount of breadcrumbs in the seasoning mix before air frying.

5. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can roast the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

7. Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different sauces like hoisin, peanut sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce if you prefer.

8. How do I make the cauliflower tender inside but crispy outside?

The key to getting tender cauliflower on the inside and crispy on the outside is making sure the cauliflower is evenly coated with oil and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate and cook the cauliflower evenly.

9. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, you can add grilled tofu, tempeh, or even chicken to make this a more filling dish.

10. Can I use this teriyaki sauce on other vegetables?

Yes! This teriyaki sauce is versatile and pairs well with other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Simply follow the same air frying process for different veggies.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Cauliflower with Teriyaki Sauce is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. With the ease of the air fryer and the rich umami flavor of the teriyaki sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a healthy snack, or a vegetarian main, this dish offers the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and savory. Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it suitable for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the sweet, savory kick in every bite!

Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce

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Air Fryer Cauliflower with Teriyaki Sauce is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of cauliflower with the sweet and savory richness of homemade teriyaki sauce. This easy and healthy recipe is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1. 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
   
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
   
   1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
   
   2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
   
   1 tablespoon rice vinegar
   
   1 tablespoon water
   
   1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
   
   1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
   
   1 small garlic clove, minced
   
   1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

1. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add it to the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) in a large bowl.
3. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
4. Transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl and drizzle with the prepared teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

1. For extra crispiness, lightly coat the cauliflower with cornstarch before air frying.
2. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
3. This recipe works well with other vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts—just follow the same air frying process.
4. Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
5. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg