Spicy Smoky Cauliflower Wings

This cauliflower wing recipe transformed my game-day snack lineup completely, offering all the satisfaction of traditional wings with none of the meat. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender cauliflower creates an irresistible texture that even dedicated wing lovers will appreciate.

I discovered this recipe when hosting a mixed group of vegan and non-vegan friends for a sports viewing party. What started as an accommodation for dietary preferences quickly became the most requested dish whenever friends gather at my home.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower florets: Provide the perfect meaty texture and absorb flavors beautifully. Choose tight heads with no brown spots for best results
• All purpose flour: Creates the foundation for our crispy coating. Its neutral flavor lets other seasonings shine
• Plant based milk: Helps create the perfect batter consistency. Opt for unsweetened varieties to control the final flavor
• Garlic powder: Infuses the batter with aromatic depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic presents
• Smoked paprika: Adds that distinctive smoky flavor that mimics traditional wings. Spanish varieties offer the most authentic flavor
• Breadcrumbs: Deliver the essential crunch factor. Panko varieties provide maximum texture
• Hot sauce: Brings the signature wing heat. Frank's RedHot offers classic buffalo flavor but any favorite works
• Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to each floret. Look for cultured varieties for deeper flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Station:

Preheat your oven to exactly 425°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Line your baking sheet completely with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange your ingredients in order of use to streamline the process.

Create The Perfect Batter:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth with no lumps. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still drip off slowly. If too thick add a splash more milk one teaspoon at a time.

Coat The Cauliflower:

Working with one floret at a time dip each piece fully into the batter ensuring complete coverage. Hold above the bowl for 3–5 seconds allowing excess to drip off then immediately roll in breadcrumbs pressing gently to adhere. Place on prepared baking sheet leaving at least half an inch between pieces to ensure proper crisping.

First Bake:

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for exactly 10 minutes then carefully flip each piece using tongs to ensure even browning. Return to oven for another 10 minutes until the coating appears golden and crisp but not burnt.

Prepare The Sauce:

While the cauliflower bakes whisk together hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a large heat resistant bowl. The butter should be just melted not hot to prevent splitting. Taste and adjust heat level or sweetness as needed.

Sauce The Wings:

Remove cauliflower from oven when golden. Working quickly transfer the hot cauliflower to the sauce bowl and gently toss using a silicone spatula until each piece is evenly coated. Take care not to break the crispy coating or damage the tender cauliflower.

Final Bake:

Return the sauced cauliflower to the same baking sheet arranging in a single layer again. Bake for a final 10 minutes until the sauce appears slightly caramelized and sticky. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning as the sugars in the sauce can darken quickly.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the transformative power of cauliflower. My nephew who famously avoids vegetables devoured these without hesitation, genuinely shocked when I revealed they weren't chicken. It's become our little secret way of incorporating more plants into family gatherings.

Perfect Pairings

These cauliflower wings deserve the perfect accompaniment. A cool vegan ranch dressing provides the classic counterpoint to the spicy wings, while crisp celery and carrot sticks add freshness and crunch. For a full spread, serve alongside vegan potato skins, hummus platters, or a hearty bean dip. The wings also pair wonderfully with a cold craft beer or for non-alcoholic options a tangy lemonade cuts through the richness beautifully.

Storage And Reheating

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While they will soften somewhat in storage, proper reheating can restore much of their texture. For best results, place refrigerated wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwave reheating which will result in soggy wings. These wings don't freeze well after cooking due to texture changes in the cauliflower.

Flavor Variations

Transform these wings by switching up the sauce profile. For Asian-inspired wings, replace the hot sauce mixture with equal parts soy sauce, maple syrup, and a touch of rice vinegar, finished with sesame seeds. Barbecue lovers can toss the baked cauliflower in your favorite BBQ sauce instead of hot sauce. For a milder option, create a lemon pepper version by combining melted vegan butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. The base recipe remains the same; it's the final sauce that creates endless possibilities.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these cauliflower wings gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

→ How spicy are these cauliflower wings?

The spice level depends on your choice of hot sauce. For milder wings, use less hot sauce or choose a milder variety. For extra heat, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the batter.

→ Can I make these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook the breaded cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then toss with sauce and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.

→ What dipping sauces work best with these wings?

Vegan ranch or blue cheese dips complement these wings perfectly. You could also try vegan yogurt-based dips or even a tahini-based sauce for something different.

→ Can I prepare these cauliflower wings ahead of time?

You can bread the cauliflower florets up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. However, for best texture, bake and sauce them just before serving, as they tend to soften when stored after cooking.

→ What can I serve with cauliflower wings?

These wings pair well with traditional sides like celery and carrot sticks. They also make a great appetizer alongside other finger foods like potato wedges, nachos, or a fresh green salad for balance.