Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings for Family Gathering

Crispy, Saucy, and Perfect for Sharing

When you need a plant-based appetizer that feels indulgent but still approachable, these Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings are a reliable choice. Cauliflower florets are coated in a light batter, rolled in panko crumbs, and baked or air-fried until crisp. Just before serving, they’re tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that clings to every edge.

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This recipe works especially well for family gatherings and casual parties. The coating stays crunchy, the sauce delivers bold flavor without overpowering, and the cauliflower holds its texture better than many fried alternatives.

Why This Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings Works & Why You’ll Love It

This recipe focuses on texture control and timing, which is the key to great cauliflower wings.

A thin batter helps the panko adhere without creating heaviness. Cooking at high heat allows moisture to escape quickly, producing crisp edges without deep frying. Tossing the cauliflower in sauce after cooking ensures the coating stays intact instead of turning soggy.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s flexible and dependable. It uses pantry ingredients, works in both the oven and air fryer, and can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into large florets (about 4 cups)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 to 1½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
• 1 to 2 cups panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)

For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds

Equipment & Tools

• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Before you begin: Read through the recipe and prepare all ingredients and equipment in advance. Cooking times and results may vary depending on oven or air fryer model, floret size, and moisture content of the cauliflower. Cook until the coating is crisp and lightly golden, and serve immediately for best texture.

How to Make Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) or air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Line baking tray if using oven.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Whisk flour, onion, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add non-dairy milk until smooth and slightly thick. The batter should coat the cauliflower without dripping heavily.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each floret into batter, let excess drip off, then roll in panko. Press lightly so crumbs adhere. Place on tray with space between pieces.

Step 4: Cook Until Crispy

Oven:
Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 15 minutes, or until the coating is crisp and lightly golden.

Air Fryer:
Cook 15–25 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Stir sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, sriracha, nutritional yeast, and salt until smooth.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Gently toss hot cauliflower in sauce. Garnish and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

• Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs
• Keep pieces spaced apart
• Always preheat oven or air fryer
• Toss in sauce just before serving
• Serve immediately for best crunch

How to Serve

• Appetizer with toothpicks
• Over rice or quinoa as a main dish
• In tacos or wraps
• As a crunchy salad topping

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Add cayenne or more sriracha
• Lemon-Garlic: Toss with lemon juice and vegan butter
• Herb Crusted: Add dried herbs to panko

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheating: Oven or air fryer for best texture
Make-Ahead: Prep cauliflower and sauce separately

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan
• Skipping panko
• Adding sauce too early
• Not drying cauliflower properly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make vegan bang bang cauliflower gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free panko. The method stays the same, and the texture remains crisp when baked or air-fried properly.

How spicy is bang bang sauce?
As written, the sauce is mildly spicy and balanced by sweetness. Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha and adjust gradually. The heat is easy to control.

Is this recipe good for parties?
Absolutely. These cauliflower wings are ideal for gatherings because they’re easy to prep ahead and cook in batches. Serve immediately after tossing for best texture.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh works best. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat very dry. Extra moisture prevents crisping.

What’s the best way to get extra crispiness?
Air frying gives the crispiest result. If baking, use a silicone mat and avoid overcrowding.

Can I serve the sauce on the side?
Yes. Serving sauce separately keeps the cauliflower crunchy longer, which is helpful for parties.

Conclusion

These Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings deliver everything you want in a plant-based appetizer: crisp texture, bold flavor, and reliable results. They’re easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for family gatherings, making them a recipe worth keeping on repeat.

Recipe Card

Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower Wings

Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower

1 to 2 cups panko bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into large florets (about 4 cups)

¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 to 1½ cups unsweetened non-dairy milk

For the Vegan Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven or air fryer.
2. Prepare batter and panko.
3. Coat cauliflower evenly.
4. Bake or air fry until crisp.
5. Mix bang bang sauce.
6. Toss and serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving) approx.

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~9g
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~6g
• Sodium: ~720mg

Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.