Description
These Crispy Baked Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden and crispy, they are tossed in a spicy hot sauce for a perfect appetizer or snack that’s vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 large cauliflower head
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (fresh works best)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Finishing Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce for tossing
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Cut the large cauliflower head into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Coat: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil to help the coating stick and promote crispiness while baking. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each cauliflower floret in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Bake: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to allow even heat distribution. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through baking to achieve an evenly crispy texture on all sides.
- Finish: Once baked and crispy, transfer the cauliflower wings to a large bowl. Toss them with the 1/2 cup of hot sauce, coating each piece thoroughly for a flavorful finish. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture; stale or fine breadcrumbs may not yield the same crispiness.
- For a milder flavor, adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
- These wings are best served immediately after baking and tossing in sauce to maintain crispiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to restore some crunchiness but may soften in the sauce if stored for too long.
- Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
