Baked Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings. These crispy, golden cauliflower “wings” are coated in a flavorful batter and then baked to perfection, making them a perfect vegan snack or appetizer. The cauliflower takes on a crispy texture on the outside while staying tender on the inside, and the combination of seasonings and a zesty sauce makes them irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets, roughly the size of chicken wings)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or any other preferred hot sauce)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tanginess)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for extra depth)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets, aiming for pieces that are roughly the size of chicken wings. You can also cut the florets in half to get more of a “wing” shape.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened. If the batter is too thick, add a bit more milk to reach the right consistency.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off. For extra crispiness, you can roll the battered cauliflower in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
- Bake the cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tops of the cauliflower to help them crisp up while baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, lemon juice, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preference.
- Toss in the sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are baked and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat each piece in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the baked cauliflower wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, vegan blue cheese, or even extra hot sauce. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: Pair with a side of crisp veggies like carrot sticks or celery for a classic wing experience.
- Dipping sauces: Vegan ranch, buffalo sauce, or a creamy tahini dip work well as accompaniments.
These Baked Cauliflower Wings are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and spicy, making them a great vegan alternative for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Plus, they’re much lighter than traditional fried wings, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
