Go Back
+ servings
Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Print

Easy Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Crispy breaded cauliflower tossed in a homemade BBQ sauce. Delicious and easy to make!
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Cauliflower, Spicy
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into medium florets
  • enough oil for frying about ½-1 inch in desired pan

Buttermilk Marinade

Flour Mixture

Additional Ingredients to Add to the Marinade to Make Liquid Batter

Homemade BBQ Sauce (optional- can sub for favorite store-bought version)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the buttermilk marinade.
  • Transfer the cauliflower florets to the marinade and let sit for 20 minutes, stir to cover all pieces.
  • While the cauliflower is marinating begin combining all ingredients for the flour mixture in a separate large bowl.
  • In a small bowl mix together the BBQ sauce (skip if using store-bought). Set aside.
  • Begin heating the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Once the cauliflower is done marinating, transfer the florets to a separate medium sized bowl, reserving the leftover liquid.
  • In the same bowl that now has the leftover marinade liquid, add in 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and ¾ cups of all-purpose flour. Whisk to combine.
  • By now, your oil should be hot enough to begin frying. To test, flick a tiny bit of water in the pan. If it sizzles and pops, it's ready. If not, wait a few more minutes before beginning. It's important that the oil is hot enough before beginning.
  • Arrange your three bowls in the following order: cauliflower florets (furthest from the stove), liquid batter, flour mixture (closest to the stove).
  • Use a spoon or tongs to dip the cauliflower pieces into the liquid batter, then into the flour mixture, back into the liquid batter, and into the flour mixture again, then into the hot oil in the frying pan.
  • Repeat this process for each piece of cauliflower, for as many as you can fit in the pan at once. Rotate the pieces as necessary, browning on each side. Once the fried pieces feel hardened after touching with tongs, it's okay to flip.
  • Transfer the fried cauliflower from the grease to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
  • Drizzle or toss the fried cauliflower pieces you intend to eat with the BBQ sauce (store any un-sauced leftovers in the fridge). Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This dish can be made in the air fryer. To do so, double-coat them in the wet and dry mixtures, then thoroughly spray both sides of each cauliflower piece with oil and cook for 10 minutes at 400°
  • This dish can be reheated in an air fryer at 400° for about 10-15 minutes, flipping over halfway.
  • They reheat best when they have not been topped with BBQ sauce
  • If you don't intend to enjoy them all at once, avoid topping them with BBQ sauce and store BBQ sauce and fried cauliflower wings separately. The following day, reheat them in your air fryer as noted above, then top with BBQ sauce.