Try these crispy cauliflower wings—a plant-based snack that’s perfect for game day or any occasion! Ready in just 35 minutes, these bites are baked (or air-fried!) to golden perfection.
Made with a crunchy cornflake coating and seasoned just right, they’re easy to make and pair perfectly with dipping sauces like my fail-proof 4-ingredient mayo or my simple chimichurri made with fresh herbs. Whether you’re craving a low-carb snack or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these cauliflower bites are a must-try!
If you need a quick game-day snack for Super Bowl Sunday, try these oven-baked crispy cauliflower wings. They might not taste like chicken wings, but they’re light, crunchy, and delicious! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients that will impress your friends and family.
For more crowd-pleasing snacks, pair them with crispy baked potato wedges with smoky paprika or easy-baked cornflake chicken bites. Both are perfect for dipping and add variety to your game-day spread!
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❣️ Why this recipe works
Crispy, baked, and simple to make! These vegan plant-based bites are a great alternative to fried snacks. Perfect for the oven or air fryer, they turn out crunchy every time. Serve with your preferred dip, I love these with my best oil-free 3-Ingredient mayo.
🥘 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities
- Cauliflower – Fresh works best for a crispy texture. Make sure to cut the florets into even-sized pieces so they bake evenly. Avoid frozen cauliflower as it tends to release moisture, which can make the bites soggy. I follow the same idea when making my roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce.
- Flour – Use all-purpose or plain flour for a smooth batter. Bread flour also works well, giving the coating a slightly chewier texture.
- Italian herbs – A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme provide a balanced seasoning. If you don’t have the pre-made blend, you can easily mix these herbs yourself.
- Milk – Any type of milk will work, whether skimmed, full-fat, cow’s milk, or goat’s milk.
- Crushed cornflakes – Make sure to crush them finely for an even layer that sticks to the cauliflower and bakes up crispy. Use organic and/or gluten-free cornflakes if you like.
♻️ Substitutions
- Cauliflower: You can swap with broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a different texture.
- Flour: Gluten-free flour or almond flour are great alternatives if needed.
- Garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic or onion powder can be used.
- Italian herbs: Dried oregano or any herb mix works well.
- Paprika: Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika is a perfect substitute.
- Black pepper: White pepper is a milder option than black pepper.
- Milk: Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free options.
- Cornflakes (crushed): Panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal can be used for a crispy coating. I also used panko breadcrumbs in my crispy baked chicken nuggets without frying.
🔪 How to make Crispy Cauliflower Wings
Make crispy cauliflower wings with ease! The process is simple—coat, crisp, and bake. Other easy go-to snacks: simple baked potato wedges, easy turkey meatballs in the oven or my cheesy leek and potato patties.
When it comes to making these crispy plant-based wings, the process is fairly simple and easy.
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the batter until evenly blended. The mixture will be thick, almost like a paste.
Step 2: You can simply toss the cauliflower into the bowl and stir to ensure it's well-covered.
Step 3: Coat each piece of battered cauliflower individually with crushed cornflakes to minimize excess batter.
Step 4: Place them on a baking sheet and spread them out so they bake evenly and stay crunchy. Bake until crispy and golden brown.
Eat them right away, while they're still warm and their edges are nice and crispy. They’re best within a few minutes of baking! Serve these cornflake cauliflower wings as an appetizer or snack with my chimichurri sauce with fresh herbs or my oil-free 3-ingredient mayo.
💭 Expert Tips To Make The Crispiest Cauliflower Wings
- Use fresh cauliflower, with firm, tight florets. Avoid heads with brown spots or signs of wilting.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs, not stale or soggy ones.
- Coat evenly to ensure every bite gets crispy.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps them bake evenly and stay crispy.
❓FAQs
To air fry cauliflower wings, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the coated bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden. Serve hot with your favourite dip!
Too much moisture is the main reason. Make sure to pat the cauliflower dry after washing, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and cook at a high enough temperature (at least 375°F/190°C) to allow proper crisping.
They’re great on their own or paired with dipping sauces like oil-free 3-ingredient mayo, chimichurri sauce, roasted tomato dip: made with beans or my quick 4-ingredient mayo. Try them also with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or spicy buffalo sauce. You can also use them as a salad topper or in tacos.
These bites are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness. When stored, the middle may become soggy and less crisp.
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Crunchy Cauliflower Bites Bonanza
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup milk or a vegan alternative
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
Optional: add sesame seeds to the batter.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cauliflower by removing the leaves and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Wash them thoroughly and set them aside.1 medium cauliflower
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, Salt to taste
- Add the milk (or vegan alternative) and the flour and mix until a smooth batter forms.1 cup milk, 1 cup flour
- In a plastic bag, crush the corn flakes into smaller pieces, but not too fine. You can use a rolling pin or your hands for this.
- Add all the cauliflower florets to the bowl of batter. Toss them gently until each piece is evenly coated using a spatula. Take one battered floret at a time and place it in the bowl with crushed cornflakes. Sprinkle and press the cornflakes onto the cauliflower until it’s fully coated.2 cups crushed cornflakes
- Place the coated cauliflower wings onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cauliflower bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the baked cauliflower wings as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower with firm, compact florets (avoid brown spots or wilting).
- Cut florets into even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Add sesame seeds to the batter or mix them with the crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free flour and ensure your cornflakes are gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
- Use a vegan milk alternative like almond or oat milk to make it vegan.
- Lightly spray or drizzle oil on the florets before baking for extra crispiness (optional).
- For the air fryer, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Freeze unbaked coated florets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Serve with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy tahini, or zesty chimichurri for extra flavor.
Tisha says
This is a great healthy crunchy alternative for non meat eaters, or even those who do! Loved these
Swathi says
These cauliflower bites are so yummy and crispy, I enjoyed as a snack.
Juyali says
These cauliflower wings were so crispy and flavorful! The cornflake coating added the perfect crunch. Loved them!
Ieva says
Amazing idea! And so much crispier than covering them in breadcrumbs. Delicious with sweet chilli sauce! Will make them again for a family gathering next weekend 🙂
Liz says
SO yummy! These were crispy and irresistible!
DK says
I love how crispy these vegan cauliflower bites are! Perfectly healthy and tasty too! I couldn't stop munching on these addictive little treats!
Elizabeth says
I’d been wanting to try cauliflower bites for some time and these didn’t disappoint! The perfect amount of savoury flavour - would definitely make again!
Colleen says
These cauliflower bites are perfect for healthy snacking. The crisp coating makes them addicting!
Liz says
Wow, the whole family loved this crispy cauliflower! It's rare they go back for seconds of veggies, but they did!!!
Sherry says
This is the only way I can get my kids to eat cauliflower. So good!