If you’re craving a vibrant, crispy, and oh-so-flavorful snack or appetizer, this Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe has got you covered. Imagine tender cauliflower florets coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, baked or air-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a tangy lemon pepper sauce that just sings with brightness. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, a cauliflower enthusiast, or just looking to spice up your appetizer game, these wings offer an addictive crunch with a fresh burst of citrus that’ll have you wanting more every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor for your Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe. From the fluffy cauliflower to zesty lemon components, everything combines to create a well-rounded and irresistible dish.
- Cauliflower florets: The hearty base that soaks up flavors and crisps beautifully when cooked.
- All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Forms a smooth batter that helps the coating stick.
- Unsweetened plant-based milk: Keeps the batter light and vegan-friendly.
- Water: Adjusts the batter to the right consistency.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Add layers of savory depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide that unbeatable crunch we all adore.
- Vegan butter: Melts into the sauce for richness and moisture.
- Lemon zest and juice: Bring bright citrus punch that defines the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous note and color contrast.
- Vegan ranch or garlic aioli: Perfect creamy dips that complement the tang.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). A well-preheated cooking environment ensures those cauliflower wings get that perfect crispy edge. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to keep everything from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together thoroughly until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that will cling nicely to each cauliflower piece. This batter is your flavor base and helps create that crispy coating.
Step 3: Prep the Crust
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. These breadcrumbs are essential because they add that incredible crunch which makes this Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe stand out. Each bite should have a satisfyingly crispy exterior to contrast the tender cauliflower inside.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into your batter, letting any excess drip off so it’s not soggy. Then roll the floret in the panko breadcrumbs until well coated. This two-step process ensures that coating will be crispy and flavorful after cooking.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
Place the coated cauliflower on your prepared baking sheet or into the air fryer basket, making sure to space them out so the heat circulates evenly. For baking, cook for 20 minutes, flip each floret, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp. If you’re air frying, cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to get even browning all around.
Step 6: Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce
While your cauliflower is cooking, melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. This sauce is the star of the show and will bring a burst of zesty, peppery flavor you won’t want to miss.
Step 7: Toss and Finish
Once the cauliflower wings are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and gently toss so every floret is coated in that vibrant sauce. Finish with extra lemon zest and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra lemon zest right before serving brightens the dish visually and intensifies that citrus aroma. The fresh parsley not only adds a pop of green color but also brings a subtle herbaceous freshness that balances the peppery sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with creamy vegan ranch or garlic aioli dips that cool down the peppery tang. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside fresh crisp celery sticks or a crunchy slaw to bring a fresh contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these wings on a large platter dusted with more lemon zest and scattered with parsley leaves. You could also arrange them around a small bowl of vegan dipping sauce in the center for easy sharing at parties or game nights. Wrapping a few on a small skewer can make them perfect finger food for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them crisp by reheating properly rather than microwaving straight from the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked cauliflower wings by first placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet so they don’t stick, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to pop back in the oven whenever you want a quick snack.
Reheating
To maintain their signature crunch, reheat the wings in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for around 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the coating soggy and lose that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the wings just as crispy without gluten. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe is completely vegan, using plant-based milk and vegan butter to keep it delicious and animal-free.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Definitely. Baking at 425°F (220°C) works just as well, giving you that crisp exterior in about 35 minutes. Just remember to flip halfway through for even cooking.
What can I use instead of vegan butter?
If you don’t have vegan butter, a good quality olive oil or melted coconut oil can also work. They’ll bring a slightly different flavor but still help the sauce coat nicely.
How spicy is the Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe?
This recipe has more of a peppery kick than it does heat. If you want more spice, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter or sauce for extra zing.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. It’s crispy, tangy, peppery, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re sharing it with friends at a casual get-together or sneaking a batch for yourself on a quiet night in, these wings will quickly become a favorite. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do!
Print
Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and crispy vegan lemon pepper cauliflower wings, perfect as a plant-based appetizer or snack. Coated in a flavorful lemon pepper sauce, these wings are baked or air fried for a healthier, guilt-free treat. Served with vegan ranch or garlic aioli, they offer a zesty and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Coating
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
Lemon Pepper Sauce
- 3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Garnish and Serving
- Extra lemon zest
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Vegan ranch or garlic aioli for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for cooking the cauliflower wings.
- Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing to prevent sticking.
- Make the batter by whisking together the flour, plant-based milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare breadcrumbs by placing the panko in a separate shallow bowl for coating the cauliflower.
- Coat cauliflower florets by dipping each piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then rolling them in panko breadcrumbs to achieve extra crunch.
- Arrange cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket, spacing them out to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the cauliflower wings: For baking, bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 15 minutes until crispy. For air frying, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Melt vegan butter in a saucepan over low heat to prepare the lemon pepper sauce.
- Mix sauce ingredients by stirring in lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt into the melted vegan butter until well combined.
- Toss the wings by transferring the crispy cauliflower to a bowl, pouring the lemon pepper sauce over, and gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately with vegan ranch or garlic aioli for dipping to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- If using an air fryer, check the wings halfway through and shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning in the lemon pepper sauce to taste, adding more lemon juice or pepper if preferred.
- Serve wings hot for the best texture; leftovers may lose crispiness.
