If you’ve been craving a deliciously crispy, tangy, and smoky snack that’s also totally plant-based, you’re in for a treat with this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe. I promise, these wings are fan-freaking-tastic—not just a boring veggie side, but a seriously crave-worthy dish that even meat lovers will reach for. Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for a fun appetizer, or just craving that perfect bite coated in sticky barbecue sauce, this recipe’s got you covered. Ready to impress your taste buds without breaking a sweat? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Crunchy Coating Magic: Using panko breadcrumbs gives you that unbeatable crispiness that holds up under the BBQ sauce.
Simple Batter Base: The flour and seasoning combo locks in flavor and creates a perfect foundation for the sauce.
Double Bake Technique: Baking first to crisp, then saucing and baking again keeps the wings perfectly coated and tender.
Versatile and Vegan: Easily adaptable with gluten-free options and your favorite barbecue sauce, this recipe suits many diets without sacrificing taste.

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegetarian BBQ wings, plant-based appetizer, crispy cauliflower bites, vegan BBQ snacks - 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

The magic of this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that create a crispy, juicy, and satisfying bite. Each component has a purpose and I’ll share some tips to make your shopping and cooking easier.

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegetarian BBQ wings, plant-based appetizer, crispy cauliflower bites, vegan BBQ snacks - 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: Pick a large, firm head with tight florets—this gives you hearty “wings” that hold up well during baking.
Water: Just enough to make the batter smooth without it being too runny or thick.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the glue binding the batter; if you need gluten-free, a mix or almond flour works well.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle earthiness without overpowering the BBQ sauce.
Onion powder: Complements garlic for a well-rounded savory flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Panko breadcrumbs: These are key for the crispy texture; I’ve tried regular breadcrumbs but panko wins every time.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or try my Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce for a homemade touch.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I usually switch up the barbecue sauce depending on the season or mood, and you can really play around with spices in the batter too.

Spicy Variation: Adding cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the batter gives these wings a wonderful kick—I swear they vanish faster when I do this!
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko or cornmeal breadcrumbs; the texture stays amazing.
Herb-Infused: Add dried rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mix for a fragrant twist that pairs beautifully with smoky BBQ sauce.

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

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower with Care

Start by preheating your oven to a high 450°F. While it warms up, wash your cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. I like to leave a bit of the stem attached because it makes the pieces sturdier and easier to grab—trust me, it makes eating them way more fun and less messy. Line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and better crisping.

Step 2: Mix Your Batter with Love

In a big bowl, whisk together water, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. You want a thick batter that clings nicely to the cauliflower without dripping off like soup. This mix is your flavor base, so don’t skip the seasoning here!

Step 3: Coat and Crunch

Drop the cauliflower florets into the batter and toss gently until they’re all well coated. Then, one at a time, lift each piece and let the excess batter drip back into the bowl—if it’s dripping too much, the coating won’t stick well. Next, roll each piece in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they’re fully covered on every side. Lay them on your prepared sheet, giving each piece a little space to crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake the cauliflower wings for about 15 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 10 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. You’ll notice the delightful crunch forming—not soggy at all! This double-sided baking is key to get that perfect texture that makes you want to go back for more.

Step 5: Saucy Finale

Once baked, toss the crispy florets in about 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce until they’re coated lovingly. Spread them back onto the pan, pop them in the oven for another 15 minutes to let the sauce stick and get sticky-good. If you want, brush a bit more sauce on top right before serving—that extra layer amps up the flavor punch!

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Pro Tips for Making BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each cauliflower piece some breathing room so it crisps up evenly instead of steaming.
Tap Off Excess Batter: Removing extra batter before breadcrumb coating ensures crunchiness rather than sogginess.
Use Parchment or Silicone: Prevents sticking and helps with even baking, saving cleanup stress.
Rebake After Saucing: This step locks the sauce flavor in and prevents the wings from getting soggy too fast.

How to Serve BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, vegetarian BBQ wings, plant-based appetizer, crispy cauliflower bites, vegan BBQ snacks - 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

My go-to garnishes for these wings are fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little bit of smoked paprika on top for extra smoky color and a touch of heat. And don’t forget the Vegan Ranch or your favorite creamy dip—trust me, it’s a game-changer that complements the tangy BBQ perfectly.

Side Dishes

I usually serve these wings alongside crunchy celery sticks and carrot slices to add some freshness and crunch contrast. A simple coleslaw or corn on the cob is also fantastic—both balance the smoky, saucy wings beautifully. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving these BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe at a party, I like to arrange them on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves, adding small bowls of different dipping sauces around for variety. For game day, stacking them in mini cones or wrapping them in parchment paper “wing bouquets” gets everyone excited to dig in. Trust me, presentation can elevate these simple bites into a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—these wings stay surprisingly good for up to 3 days. Sometimes the coating softens a bit from the sauce, but they still reheat well and retain lots of flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the un-sauced, baked cauliflower wings first in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready, bake or air fry from frozen and toss in BBQ sauce right before serving for the freshest experience.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness without drying them out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but it can soften the crust. You can always brush on a little extra barbecue sauce after reheating for that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour, and use gluten-free panko or cornmeal instead of regular breadcrumbs. This keeps the wings crispy and just as tasty.
What’s the best way to get the wings crispy?

Using panko breadcrumbs and baking at a high temperature (450°F) is key. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet so each piece has room to crisp up.
Can I use other sauces besides barbecue?

Definitely! While BBQ sauce is classic, I’ve enjoyed these wings tossed in buffalo sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a spicy maple glaze—each adds a unique twist.
How do I prevent the wings from getting soggy?

First, bake the coated cauliflower until crisp before adding sauce. Then, toss with sauce and bake again to set it in place. Avoid letting wings sit too long in the sauce before serving.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?

You certainly can! Air frying at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway, works great to get them crispy. Add sauce and air fry a couple more minutes to finish.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe is one of those happy kitchen discoveries that I love sharing with friends because it combines simplicity, flavor, and the fun of finger food. Whether you bake them up for a casual night or a party, they bring everyone together around the table with smiles and saucy fingers. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—you might just forget they’re veggies! Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!

BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 33 reviews

Author: Sarah
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 are a crispy, flavorful, and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional chicken wings. Perfectly coated in a seasoned batter, baked to golden perfection, and tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce, they make a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will 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 ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, leaving some stem attached for easier handling when eating.
Make Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together water, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate smaller bowl for coating the cauliflower.
Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake Initial Coat: Bake the coated cauliflower for 15 minutes at 450 degrees F, then flip each piece to ensure even browning and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Toss in BBQ Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce in a large bowl to coat evenly.
Finish Baking: Return the sauced florets to the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and intensify the flavor.
Serve: Optionally brush with additional barbecue sauce before serving. Serve warm with Vegan Ranch or your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

For gluten free version, use a gluten free flour blend or almond flour in the batter and substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten free breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
Panko breadcrumbs provide the best crispiness; if substituting, ensure they are dairy free to keep the recipe vegan.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
You can use store-bought vegan barbecue sauce or prepare the Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce recipe; about 18 ounces is needed, which is typically one bottle.