Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Cauliflower wings have become a popular alternative to chicken wings, providing a tasty, plant-based option that’s both crispy and flavorful. This Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings recipe takes the classic lemon pepper flavor—known for its tangy, citrusy, and slightly spicy profile—and coats each cauliflower floret to perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these crispy, golden cauliflower wings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and zesty.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Cut the Cauliflower:

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   • Begin by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make the florets as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. You can also slice the larger florets in half to make them more manageable.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the cauliflower crisp up while baking.

3. Prepare the Baking Sheet:

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   • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for the cauliflower to bake on.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend of spices will create the base for the crispy coating on the cauliflower wings.

2. Add Wet Ingredients:

   • Add the water (or plant-based milk) to the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping off, but still thin enough to allow for easy dipping. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.

3. Coat the Cauliflower:

   • Toss the cauliflower florets into the batter, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the cauliflower in the batter. For an extra crunchy texture, you can also toss the coated cauliflower in a bit of extra flour or breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bake the Cauliflower Wings

1. Arrange the Cauliflower:

   • Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re using a wire rack, spread the florets out evenly on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the cauliflower, ensuring it becomes crispy on all sides.

2. Bake:

   • Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you want them extra crispy, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

3. Remove and Set Aside:

   • Once the cauliflower wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and set them aside while you prepare the lemon pepper sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce

1. Melt the Butter:

   • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan butter (or regular butter) until it’s fully liquid. This will be the base for your lemon pepper sauce.

2. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:

   • To the melted butter, add the freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well to combine. The lemon zest adds a burst of citrusy fragrance, while the juice provides a tart, tangy flavor.

3. Season the Sauce:

   • Stir in the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. You can adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning to suit your taste. If you like a more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra zest or lemon juice. If you enjoy heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chili flakes.

4. Toss the Cauliflower Wings in the Sauce:

   • Place the baked cauliflower wings into a large bowl. Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The sauce should cling to the cauliflower, giving it that tangy, zesty lemon pepper flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the cauliflower wings are fully coated in the lemon pepper sauce, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra lemon zest on top for an extra zing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Wings:

   • Transfer the lemon pepper cauliflower wings to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.

2. Pair with Dipping Sauces:

   • These wings are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Consider offering a side of creamy ranch, vegan ranch, or a tangy buffalo sauce to complement the citrusy flavors of the lemon pepper wings.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion:

   • These lemon pepper cauliflower wings make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or even a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve them with a side of fresh veggies or a salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

• Choose Fresh Cauliflower: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh cauliflower rather than frozen. Fresh cauliflower will roast better and have a firmer bite, making for a more satisfying wing experience.

• Achieve Extra Crispiness: For even crispier wings, after coating the cauliflower in the batter, lightly dredge them in breadcrumbs or panko before baking. This will add an extra layer of crunch that mimics the crispness of traditional chicken wings.

• Bake on a Wire Rack: If you have a wire rack, use it to bake the cauliflower. It allows air to circulate around the florets, ensuring that all sides become crispy. If you don’t have a wire rack, simply flip the cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure it crisps up evenly.

• Flavor Variations: While lemon pepper is a classic and delicious flavor, you can experiment with other seasonings to create variations of this dish. Consider adding different spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or even curry powder for a unique twist.

• Make It Spicy: If you prefer spicy wings, you can add extra cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even hot sauce to the lemon pepper sauce. You can also serve the wings with a side of spicy dipping sauce to balance the tangy lemon flavor.

• Store Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

Variations on Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

While the classic lemon pepper flavor is fantastic on its own, there are many ways you can modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

1. Buffalo Lemon Pepper Wings:

   • If you love spicy buffalo sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of buffalo sauce to the lemon pepper sauce mixture. This creates a tangy, spicy kick that complements the citrusy lemon flavor beautifully.

2. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Wings:

   • For a twist on the classic lemon pepper flavor, try adding a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese (or regular parmesan if you’re not vegan) to the lemon garlic sauce. The salty, umami flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon.

3. Lemon Pepper Tofu Wings:

   • For an extra protein boost, try using tofu instead of cauliflower. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and toss it in the same batter. Bake the tofu until golden and crispy, then toss it in the lemon pepper sauce for a delicious variation.

4. Lemon Coconut Cauliflower Wings:

   • Add a tropical twist to your cauliflower wings by mixing a tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut into the batter. The coconut adds a slight sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with the lemon pepper seasoning.

Conclusion

These Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative to traditional wings or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a winner. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, these cauliflower wings are perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or just a fun snack.

Yield: 4

Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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Cauliflower wings have become a popular alternative to chicken wings, providing a tasty, plant-based option that’s both crispy and flavorful. This Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings recipe takes the classic lemon pepper flavor—known for its tangy, citrusy, and slightly spicy profile—and coats each cauliflower floret to perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these crispy, golden cauliflower wings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and zesty.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cauliflower:
• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for vegan version)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
   
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, keeping them roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
   In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure all the florets are well coated.
   
3. Bake the Cauliflower:
   Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
   Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
   
4. Prepare the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
   While the cauliflower is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   Once the butter is melted, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the sauce is well combined and heated through.
   
5. Coat the Cauliflower:
   Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and place the florets in a large bowl.
   Pour the lemon pepper sauce over the baked cauliflower and toss gently to coat the florets evenly in the sauce.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest or pepper if desired.
   Serve immediately as an appetizer, snack, or with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.

Notes

For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer your cauliflower extra crispy, try spraying the florets lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Vegan Option: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Air Fryer Method: You can also make these in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the cauliflower in batches for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.