Go Back

Ultimate BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Crispy, baked cauliflower florets coated in a sticky, smoky homemade BBQ sauce. A perfect healthy vegan appetizer for game day or any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or oil for coating
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 0.333 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp liquid smoke optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and place wire racks on top if available. Pat cauliflower florets very dry.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place plant-based milk in a second bowl, and Panko in a third.
  3. Bread cauliflower: Toss in flour, dip in milk, then coat in Panko, pressing gently. Place on prepared rack/sheet. Spray generously with oil.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden brown and very crispy.
  5. Meanwhile, make sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 mins until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  6. Place baked cauliflower in a large bowl. Add desired amount of warm BBQ sauce and toss gently to coat.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and with vegan ranch or extra sauce for dipping.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, bake on a wire rack and do not overcrowd the pan. Sauce just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to revive crispness.