Move over chicken wings—there’s a new star in town! Crispy baked cauliflower wings are the ultimate vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly golden, slightly charred, and tossed in your favorite sauce, they bring all the flavor and crunch you crave without the heavy, greasy aftermath. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting friends, or just looking for a healthier snack option, these cauliflower wings will leave everyone asking for seconds.

What makes these wings so irresistible? First, they’re baked, not fried, which means less oil and more wholesome goodness. Second, they’re incredibly versatile—you can customize the seasoning and sauces to match your taste buds or dietary needs. And finally, they’re easy to prepare, making them an approachable recipe even for beginner cooks.

This recipe is inspired by the magic of Oz Telem’s cookbook Cauliflower, which proves that cauliflower is one of the most underrated vegetables. It’s hearty enough to stand up to bold flavors, yet light enough to enjoy guilt-free. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these crispy baked cauliflower wings a success!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Cauliflower Wings

Crispy Without Frying: Thanks to the oven-baking method, you’ll achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without the mess or excess oil of frying.
Customizable: Adjust the spices, batter, and sauces to suit your preferences—spicy, sweet, tangy, or smoky, the choice is yours!
Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe offers a plant-based alternative to traditional wings that’s perfect for vegetarians and flexitarians.
Great for Sharing: These wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Nutrient-Packed: Cauliflower is high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this snack as nourishing as it is delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: Serves 4 as an appetizer or snack
Calories: Approximately 295 calories per serving

Ingredients

To create these crispy baked cauliflower wings, gather the following:

1 medium cauliflower: Washed and broken into bite-sized florets. Cauliflower is the hero of this dish, offering a neutral base to soak up all the flavors.
1 cup all-purpose or whole-wheat flour: For the batter. Whole-wheat flour adds a nutty taste and extra fiber if preferred.
1 tsp sweet or smoked paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky or sweet flavor. Smoked paprika works well for a deeper taste.
2–3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter: Used in the sauce to help the coating stick. Olive oil keeps it vegan-friendly.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the batter and final dish.
Optional spices: Enhance the batter with dried oregano, ground mustard seeds, or coriander seeds for extra flavor depth.
Optional sauce: Use hot sauce for a spicy kick or sweet chili sauce for a milder, tangier glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This step ensures the cauliflower wings bake evenly without making a mess.

Step 2: Prep the Cauliflower

Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel. Break it into small, bite-sized florets. Keeping the florets uniform in size ensures even cooking, so take a little extra care here.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, about 1 cup, until you achieve a creamy, pancake-like batter. The batter should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or runny. If you’re adding optional spices like oregano or mustard seeds, mix them in at this stage.

Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper airflow and even baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cauliflower

Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. Check halfway through and flip the florets to ensure even browning. When the cauliflower is golden and slightly crispy, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, combine hot sauce or sweet chili sauce with olive oil or melted butter. For a spicier flavor, use a robust hot sauce like sriracha. If you prefer a milder option, sweet chili sauce offers a balanced sweet-and-savory flavor.

Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the florets and toss until they’re evenly coated.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return the sauce-coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Bake for an additional 10–14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly charred and crispy. This final bake locks in the sauce and enhances the overall texture.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Once the cauliflower wings are out of the oven, season them with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a garlic yogurt sauce.

How to Serve

These crispy baked cauliflower wings are versatile and pair well with various sides and dips. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Classic Game Day Spread: Serve alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese.
Taco Night: Use the cauliflower wings as a filling for vegetarian tacos. Add fresh slaw and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a bold flavor combination.
Simple Snack: Enjoy them on their own with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Tips for Success

Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space between florets is essential for crispy results.
Experiment with Sauces: Try BBQ sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a lemon-tahini drizzle for a unique twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Reheat with Care: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 375°F to restore crispiness.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Toss the baked florets in buffalo sauce for a fiery kick.
Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet sauce.
Asian-Inspired: Use a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce for an umami-packed variation.
Herbaceous Delight: Add fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to the batter for a burst of freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 295
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 10g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 4g

Conclusion

Crispy baked cauliflower wings are a game-changer, offering all the flavor and texture of traditional wings without the meat. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for any occasion.

I’d love to hear how your cauliflower wings turn out! Share your results in the comments or tag me on social media with your creations. Let’s keep spreading the cauliflower love, one crispy wing at a time!