Crispy Cauliflower Wings

Crispy Cauliflower Wings

Crispy Cauliflower Wings

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Appetizer, snacks

Cuisine: American, Chinese, Continental, Indian

Calories: 245

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 medium cauliflower cut into medium florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup water adjust as needed
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For Coating (Crispy Layer):

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

Buffalo / BBQ Sauce Coating:

• ½ cup hot sauce or BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp vegan butter melted
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey substitute

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Parchment sheet
• Oven/Air fryer
• Whisk
• Baking tray

Method

 

1. Preheat Oven:
2. Preheat to 220°C (428°F). Line tray with parchment.
3. Prepare Batter:
4. Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, pepper, salt & water to create a smooth batter.
5. Coat Cauliflower:
6. Dip each floret in batter → then roll in panko to fully coat.
7. Bake:
8. Arrange on tray and bake 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
9. (Air Fryer: 200°C for 15 minutes)
10. Prepare Sauce Coating:
11. Mix hot sauce, vegan butter & maple syrup.
12. Toss and Final Bake:
13. Brush / toss crispy cauliflower in sauce and bake again 5 minutes for perfect texture.
14. Serve Hot with vegan ranch or garlic mayo.

Notes

💡Notes

For extra spicy version → add chili flakes in sauce.

Do not overcrowd pan; spacing = crispiness.

 

🧊Storage

Store leftover wings up to 1 day in fridge.

Reheat in oven/air fryer for crispness.

Do not store after sauce for too long — gets soggy.

🍽️Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 245 kcal

Protein: 6 g

Fat: 5 g

Carbohydrates: 44 g

Fiber: 4 g

📝Summary

Crispy Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful, plant-based snack that offers the satisfaction of traditional fried wings without using meat. The cauliflower is first cut into medium-sized florets to ensure even cooking and the perfect bite. A seasoned flour batter coats the florets and serves as the base for adhering the crispy panko breadcrumb layer. This breadcrumb coating provides the signature crunch that makes each bite hearty and enjoyable.

Once coated, the cauliflower is baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, making the dish lighter while still maintaining the essential crispiness. This recipe also allows you to control flavor intensity through the seasoning in the batter. Smoked paprika adds a warm depth, garlic and onion powder bring savory notes, while black pepper keeps the balance in place.

After the initial bake, the wings are tossed in a tangy buffalo or smoky barbecue sauce. The sauce is enriched with melted vegan butter, giving a silky finish that coats the crispy exterior without softening it too quickly. This second brief bake helps the sauce cling to the wings and forms a cohesive flavor layer.

These wings are perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking, and they make a satisfying plant-based appetizer even for those who do not follow vegan diets. They pair beautifully with vegan ranch or garlic mayo, along with fresh celery or carrot sticks to balance heat and richness. The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted for spice level or sweetness depending on personal taste.

🔍 Crispy Cauliflower Wings