If you’re looking for a game-changing snack or appetizer, you’ve got to try this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in that tangy, smoky barbecue sauce that makes finger foods irresistible. I promise, even if you’ve never been a big cauliflower fan, these wings might just convert you. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly in your own kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Crunch: Using panko breadcrumbs plus a double bake creates that satisfying crispy texture that holds up even after saucing.
Flavorful Batter: Garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt in the batter boost the flavor beyond just plain cauliflower.
Easy to Customize: You can swap out sauces or tweak seasonings easily depending on your taste or dietary needs.
Simple & Accessible: Made with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh cauliflower, it’s approachable even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The mix of fresh cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs keeps these wings crispy and tasty. The barbecue sauce adds that classic saucy finish that transforms humble veggies into party stars. Here are the key players you’ll need:

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, grilled cauliflower wings, vegan BBQ appetizer, healthy cauliflower snack, crispy cauliflower bites - 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 with tight florets. Leaving a bit of stem on each piece helps you pick them up like real wings.
Water: Combines with the flour to create a batter that sticks perfectly to each floret.
All Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the batter, helping the coating adhere well and crisp up nicely in the oven.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the cauliflower’s natural flavor.
Onion Powder: Works alongside garlic powder for a well-rounded, aromatic base seasoning.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are light and airy, perfect for that crunchy coating everyone loves on wings.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite bottled sauce or a homemade version; the tangy sweetness is what really makes these wings sing.

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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

I like to keep this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe pretty classic, but trust me, there’s plenty of room for you to make it your own. Whether you love heat, sweet notes, or want to keep it gluten-free, customizing is easy and fun.

Add heat: A few dashes of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika in the batter adds a smoky kick that pairs beautifully with the barbecue sauce.
Go gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal instead. It works like a charm!
Try different sauces: Buff those wings up with spicy buffalo sauce, tangy teriyaki, or even a creamy tahini drizzle for a totally different vibe.
Make it spicy-sweet: Mix some honey or maple syrup into your barbecue sauce — I love the subtle caramelized flavor it brings out when baked again.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Cauliflower

Grab a large head of cauliflower and wash it thoroughly. I like to cut it into bite-sized florets, leaving some of the stem intact. It makes the pieces easier to pick up and eat – because let’s be real, wings need to be finger-friendly! Set these aside while you prep the batter.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Batter

In a large bowl, mix water and all-purpose flour until smooth – no lumps, please! Then add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This simple but effective combo really seasons the cauliflower from the inside out, so don’t skip it. A smooth batter helps the breadcrumbs stick like a charm.

Step 3: Coat Cauliflower in Batter and Breadcrumbs

Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Then roll it generously in panko breadcrumbs to get an even, crunchy coating. I usually tap the florets on the side of the bowl to avoid too much batter hanging on there, which can make the coating soggy during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Lay the cauliflower wings out on a parchment-lined baking sheet without overcrowding — they need breathing room to crisp up. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, flip them gently, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You’ll start to smell that irresistible roasted aroma here!

Step 5: Toss in BBQ Sauce and Finish Baking

Once baked, toss the wings in 1 1/2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce until every piece is nicely coated. Then spread them back out on the baking sheet and pop them in the oven for another 15 minutes. This second bake helps the sauce caramelize and stick, giving these wings that sticky, finger-licking finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven, brush on extra barbecue sauce if you want, and serve right away. I love pairing these with a vegan ranch dip for that cool, creamy contrast. Grab napkins — it’s going to get messy, and perfectly so!

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Pro Tips for Making BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece plenty of space on the baking sheet to ensure crispiness all around, preventing soggy spots.
Double Bake with Sauce: Tossing with BBQ sauce and baking again sets the sauce and helps it caramelize, which adds amazing flavor and texture.
Tap Off Excess Batter: Shaking off the extra batter before breadcrumbs keeps the coating from getting gloopy and falling off during baking.
Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresher florets roast better and taste sweeter than older heads, so pick a firm, white cauliflower for best results.

How to Serve BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

BBQ Cauliflower Wings, grilled cauliflower wings, vegan BBQ appetizer, healthy cauliflower snack, crispy cauliflower bites - 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 swear by fresh chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice adds a fun zing that cuts through the richness of the barbecue sauce. Also, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce on the side never hurts!

Side Dishes

These wings pair beautifully with crunchy celery sticks and carrot batons for a classic combo. I often serve them alongside creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dip. For a more substantial meal, try pairing with a crisp slaw or baked sweet potato fries to keep things balanced yet indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged the BBQ cauliflower wings in a big platter lined with banana leaves for a tropical party feel — it got rave reviews! You can also serve them in mini cast iron skillets or small mason jars with dipping sauce on the side for a fun, casual presentation at game day or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, although they taste best eaten fresh. Keep the sauce separate if you want to re-crisp the wings without making them soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked, breaded wings on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This makes for a great make-ahead snack option!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the wings in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness. I avoid microwaving unless in a pinch because it tends to make the coating soft, but if you do, toss them back in the air fryer for a couple minutes after to crisp up.

FAQs

Can I make this BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already naturally vegan when you use dairy-free breadcrumbs and check your barbecue sauce is free of animal products. For serving, pair with a vegan ranch or your favorite vegan dip for a 100% plant-based snack.
What’s the best way to get the wings crispy?

Using panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch and baking at a high temperature (450°F) is key. Also, make sure to space the wings evenly on your baking sheet so the hot air circulates well, helping them crisp up beautifully.
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe because frozen florets have more moisture, which can make battering and glazing tricky. If you must use frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before dipping in batter.
How spicy is the BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy by default, as it relies on your choice of barbecue sauce. To add heat, I recommend mixing cayenne or hot sauce into the sauce or batter, depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes! Air frying can give you excellent crispiness even faster. Just be sure to coat the wings evenly and cook in batches so the air circulates well. I suggest air frying at around 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it transforms simple, humble cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing hit every single time. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, saucy, and comforting without any fuss. I hope you give it a try — it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress your friends or family. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be asking you for the recipe over and over again!

BBQ Cauliflower Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Amanda
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

Crispy oven-baked BBQ cauliflower wings coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, perfect as a vegan appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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 the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prepare for baking the cauliflower wings.
Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, leaving some stem on each piece to make them easier to pick up when eating.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together water, all purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined to form a smooth batter.
Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate smaller bowl for easy coating later.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower pieces to the batter and toss to coat thoroughly. Remove each piece one by one, tapping off excess batter, then roll them in the panko breadcrumbs ensuring full coverage, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the coated cauliflower for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven.
Toss with Barbecue Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the baked cauliflower florets with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce to coat evenly.
Bake Again with Sauce: Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the sauce to set and caramelize.
Serve: Remove from the oven, optionally brush with more barbecue sauce before serving, and enjoy with vegan ranch dressing for dipping if desired.

Notes

To make gluten free, substitute all purpose flour with a gluten free flour mix or almond flour, and use gluten free breadcrumbs or cornmeal instead of panko.
Panko breadcrumbs create the best crispy texture, but you may use other dairy-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
You can use any store-bought vegan barbecue sauce or prepare the Quick and Easy Vegan Barbecue Sauce as specified; about 18 ounces is needed for this recipe.