Description

These Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, zesty, and completely vegan appetizer or snack. Coated in a light batter, baked or air-fried until golden, and tossed in a bold lemon pepper glaze, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings with a perfect balance of tangy citrus and bold black pepper flavors.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cauliflower Wings:

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:

3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt

For Garnishing (Optional):

Extra lemon zest
Chopped fresh parsley
Vegan ranch or garlic aioli for dipping

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Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Make the Batter In a bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
Coat the Cauliflower Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off. Roll in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet (or air fryer basket), spacing them out.
Bake or Air Fry Baking Method: Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake for another 15 minutes until crispy. Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce In a saucepan over low heat, melt vegan butter. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
Toss & Serve Transfer crispy cauliflower wings to a bowl. Pour lemon pepper sauce over them and toss gently. Garnish with extra lemon zest and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with vegan ranch or garlic aioli for dipping!

Notes

Use Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Ensures even baking and crispiness.
Toss in Sauce Right Before Serving – Keeps the wings crispy.
Want More Heat? – Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to the batter.