If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, guilt-free snack or appetizer that will wow your friends and family, you’ve got to try this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe. I promise these little bites of crispy, tangy, smoky goodness will make you forget all about traditional wings. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, these wings taste incredible and are super easy to make. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to help you get that perfect crunch and flavor every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Crispy Coating: Using panko breadcrumbs gives the wings a light and crunchy texture that really mimics the feel of traditional wings.
Balanced Flavor: The batter with garlic and onion powders adds a savory base that pairs brilliantly with the tangy barbecue sauce.
Easy Prep and Cleanup: Baking instead of frying means less mess and a healthier end result.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is flexible enough to suit different diets and always disappears quickly in my kitchen.

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegan cauliflower wings, healthy veggie appetizers, crispy cauliflower bites, smoky vegan wings - A close-up view of a white plate full of crispy fried cauliflower pieces covered in a thick dark brown sauce, with chopped green onions sprinkled on top. The cauliflower pieces are golden brown under the sauce, showing a crunchy texture, and are stacked in layers on the white plate. The background is a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe plays an important role to build flavor, texture, and ease of cooking. I always make sure to pick a firm, fresh cauliflower, and use good-quality panko breadcrumbs for that unmatched crunch. The spices and BBQ sauce pull everything together for that finger-licking taste we all crave.

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegan cauliflower wings, healthy veggie appetizers, crispy cauliflower bites, smoky vegan wings - Flat lay of fresh cauliflower florets with some stems attached, a small heap of golden panko breadcrumbs, a glass jar filled with rich reddish-brown barbecue sauce, a small pile of all-purpose flour dusted lightly, scattered garlic powder and onion powder spices, and a clear glass of water, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Cauliflower: Choose a fresh, firm head for the best bite that holds up well in the oven without getting soggy.
Water: Thins the batter just enough so it coats each piece evenly without clumping.
All purpose flour: Acts as the base for the batter, helping the coating stick to the cauliflower.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that complements the BBQ sauce wonderfully.
Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity to the batter’s flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Panko breadcrumbs: Key for that light, crispy crust that won’t weigh down the cauliflower.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a smoky tang that brings everything together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with the BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe depending on the occasion and my mood. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to amp up the smoky heat. Other times, I swap the barbecue sauce for a buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Don’t be afraid to put your spin on it—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make it your own!

Vegan Ranch Dipping Sauce: My favorite way to enjoy these wings is with a creamy, cooling ranch dip that balances the barbecue’s tanginess.
Gluten-Free Option: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and panko for crushed gluten-free crackers with great success.
Extra Crispy: For a crunchier outside, I like to spray the coated cauliflower lightly with oil before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cut

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—it keeps the wings from sticking and cuts down on cleanup. Then, wash your cauliflower and chop it into bite-sized florets. I like to leave a bit of stem on each piece because that makes them easier to hold and dip later on. Trust me, those little details make the eating experience that much better!

Step 2: Make the Batter and Coat

In a large bowl, whisk together the water, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. In a separate small bowl, pour in your panko breadcrumbs—I find it easier to roll the cauliflower in breadcrumbs after it’s dipped in batter. Toss the cauliflower pieces in the batter to coat them evenly. When you pull each piece out, give it a few gentle taps on the bowl’s side to remove excess batter, then roll it carefully in the panko, pressing lightly to coat all sides.

Step 3: Bake and Flip

Arrange the coated florets on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer—don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip each piece over to get both sides golden and crispy. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. By this point, you’ll have perfectly crunchy cauliflower waiting for that saucy finish!

Step 4: Sauce and Final Bake

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with about 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce in a large bowl, making sure each piece gets a good coating. Return them to the baking sheet and let them bake for another 15 minutes to let the sauce set and get just the right sticky texture. If you want an extra-hit of flavor, I brush on a bit more sauce right before serving—it makes them look glossy and taste amazing.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Tapping: Tapping off excess batter helps keep the coating light and crunchy, not soggy and clumpy.
Use a Cooling Rack: Placing the florets on a wire rack over the baking sheet can enhance airflow and crispiness.
Timing is Key: If you find the wings getting soft after saucing, try reducing the final bake time by a few minutes to keep that crunch.
Sauce Preference: I usually recommend tossing just enough BBQ sauce to coat, so the coating stays crispy instead of soggy.

How to Serve BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegan cauliflower wings, healthy veggie appetizers, crispy cauliflower bites, smoky vegan wings - A pile of crispy fried cauliflower pieces covered in a thick dark reddish-brown sauce sits on a white crumpled paper on a white marbled surface. Each cauliflower piece has a crunchy, rough texture with some slight charring, and bright green chopped chives are sprinkled over the top and around the pile. To the upper left side, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A little squeeze of lime or lemon juice can brighten things up too. If you want to add some heat, a handful of sliced jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika on top works wonders. These simple touches really take the experience up a notch.

Side Dishes

These cauliflower wings go perfectly with crunchy celery sticks and carrot slices, classic sides for traditional wings. I also like serving them with creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dip for dipping. For a fuller meal, pair with a crisp green salad or some roasted sweet potatoes to balance the smoky BBQ flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or game day, I like to arrange these wings in a festive platter with small ramekins of different dips—ranch, extra BBQ sauce, even a spicy sriracha mayo. Another fun presentation is to skewer a few florets on bamboo sticks for easy grabbing and sharing. It really makes a simple appetizer feel special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover BBQ Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for about 3-4 days. I find it best to keep any extra sauce separate if you want to retain the crunch longer and just add it when reheating or serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the wings a couple of times with good results—just flash freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and crispy.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat leftover wings in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps bring back that crispiness much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy. But when I’m short on time, microwaving and then popping them under the broiler for a minute or two does the trick.

FAQs

Can I make this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, and replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You’ll get a similarly delicious and crispy result.
How spicy are these cauliflower wings?

The base recipe is mild, perfect for those who prefer a classic barbecue flavor. But you can easily add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a spicy barbecue sauce if you want to kick up the heat.
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best since it holds together firmly and crisps nicely. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more moisture and might become soggy, so I don’t recommend it for this particular recipe.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. I often use store-bought vegan options or my own Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce for a personal touch. Just make sure it’s not too watery or it can weigh down the crispy coating.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something tasty, comforting, and a little bit different. It’s a great way to get everyone excited about veggies, especially if you’re fed up with the same old side dishes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for cauliflower wings at every party and cozy night in. So go ahead—grab that cauliflower, make these wings, and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite with your favorite dips. You’ve got this!

BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

These BBQ Cauliflower Wings offer a delicious, crispy, and flavorful vegan alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a seasoned batter and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then baked to perfection and tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

Cauliflower Wings

1 large head cauliflower (about 5-6 cups florets)
1 cup water
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
18 ounces your favorite barbecue sauce OR Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, leaving some stem on each piece to make them easier to handle and eat.
Make Batter and Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, whisk together water, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. In a separate smaller bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat Cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly. One by one, remove florets and tap off excess batter. Roll each floret thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake First Coat: Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they turn brown and crispy.
Toss in Barbecue Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Toss the florets with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce to coat them well.
Bake with Sauce: Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes to let the sauce set and the wings caramelize slightly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and brush with additional barbecue sauce if desired. Serve warm with Vegan Ranch or your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Cauliflower Wings!

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs entirely.
Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crispy texture, but you may use other dairy-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal as alternatives.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave for convenience.
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce ensuring it’s vegan, or make the Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce for homemade flavor. Approximately 18 ounces of sauce is needed.