Name: Crispy Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings – A Delicious Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs); 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted; Zest of 1 large lemon; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Print Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for a healthy, delicious side dish or a flavorful snack, these lemon pepper cauliflower wings are the perfect choice! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tangy lemon-pepper flavor. Plus, they’re entirely plant-based, making them ideal for those looking for healthy family meals vegetarian, delicious vegan dinner, or healthy weeknight dinners vegetarian options.

These cauliflower wings are a fantastic alternative to traditional wings. Instead of deep-frying, they’re baked or air-fried to crispy perfection, making them a lighter, healthier choice. The zesty lemon and bold black pepper seasoning create an irresistible combination that enhances the natural flavors of the cauliflower. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re sure to impress!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best lemon pepper cauliflower wings, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, storage tips, and serving ideas.

Two images showcasing the Vegan Lemon Pepper Glazed Cauliflower Recipe. The first image features the finished dish, glistening with a tasty glaze, while the second image shows the cooking process with spices. A zesty, healthy recipe for plant-based m...

Why You’ll Love These Cauliflower Wings

There are so many reasons to love these crispy, zesty cauliflower wings:

Healthier alternative to fried wings – These are baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, making them a great option for antioxidant meals healthy recipes.
Packed with flavor – The tangy lemon and bold black pepper give these wings a delicious kick.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights.
Perfect for meal prep – They store and reheat well, making them a great addition to healthy weeknight dinners vegetarian meal plans.
Crispy and satisfying – A great choice for anyone craving flavorful vegetable recipes without the excess oil.

Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

To make these crispy vegan cauliflower wings, gather the following ingredients:

For the Wings

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

For the Lemon Pepper Sauce

3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Zest of 1 large lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials:

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Small saucepan (for lemon pepper sauce)
Air fryer (optional for a crispier texture)

How to Make Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still slightly runny.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, roll the florets in the panko breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. Place them on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake or Air-Fry

Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Frying Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air-fry the cauliflower in a single layer for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the cauliflower wings are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the lemon pepper sauce over them and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips for the Best Crispy Cauliflower Wings

Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture; frozen cauliflower can become too soft.
For extra crispiness, air-fry instead of baking or broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Toss in sauce just before serving to prevent the wings from getting soggy.
Adjust the seasoning – If you like more spice, add extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your lemon pepper cauliflower wings? Try these variations:

Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Oil-free option – Skip the butter and use a splash of vegetable broth in the sauce.
Extra spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon pepper sauce.
Different seasonings – Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or swap lemon zest for lime zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the baking sheet – This traps steam and prevents crispiness. Spread the florets out in a single layer.
Using too much batter – A thin coating is enough; too much batter can make the wings soggy.
Skipping the breadcrumbs – This step is essential for the crunchy texture.

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

These vegan cauliflower wings are versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

As an appetizer – Serve with ranch or dairy-free garlic aioli.
As a main dish – Pair with quinoa or a fresh salad.
In a wrap – Stuff them into a tortilla with lettuce and vegan mayo.
With roasted veggies – Serve alongside easy cooked vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the baked wings (before adding sauce) for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Wings

Looking for healthy delicious side dishes? Try these:

Crispy sweet potato fries – A perfect complement to the zesty lemon flavor.
Steamed green beans or asparagus – A light and nutritious side.
Quinoa salad – A high-protein pairing for a well-rounded meal.

FAQs About Vegan Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake them in advance and reheat just before serving.

Q: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A: Yes! They’ll still be tasty but won’t be as crispy.

Q: How do I make them extra crispy?
A: Use panko breadcrumbs and air-fry them for the best texture.

Conclusion

These lemon pepper cauliflower wings are a must-try for anyone looking for healthy family meals vegetarian, flavorful vegetable recipes, or healthy weeknight dinners vegetarian. They’re crispy, zesty, and completely plant-based, making them a perfect delicious vegan dinner or snack. Try them today and let us know how you liked them!

Save