Your next favorite vegetable side dish is going to be this Air Fried Crispy Cauliflower recipe! It is well seasoned with a combination of delicious spices, crispy on the exterior, and soft on the inside. I have to say, this Air Fried Crispy Cauliflower is very amazing, even though I adore conventional roasted cauliflower.
Why is it so tasty? I quickly coat the cauliflower florets with panko before cooking them. In the air fryer, it fries up wonderfully, giving the cauliflower an enticing crispy texture.
WHY AIR-FRYING IS BETTER THAN ROASTING:
- It is one of the most convenient and time-saving ways to provide delicious and crisp cauliflower bites with the use of less oil.
- Air fryer roasts cauliflower well and provides perfect texture and flavor.
STATS:
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Time for prep: Ten minutes
- Cooking time: Fifteen minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
EQUIPMENT:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
INGREDIENTS:
- One cup panko crumbs
- One & ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- 1 big egg
- 2 cups small cauliflower florets
- Extra-virgin olive oil
INGREDIENT NOTES:
PANKO BREAD CRUMBS:
- It helps to make them crisp and adds lightness in comparison to the real breadcrumbs. It makes them crunchy and golden. Utilize the gluten-free breadcrumbs if required.
SMOKED PAPRIKA:
- It will add a slightly smoky flavor to the breadcrumbs to enrich the flavor. It also helps to give an indulgent color in the coating of these cauliflowers. We can also utilize the simple paprika instead.
GARLIC POWDER:
- It will provide the savory flavor and also enrich the flavor of these roasted cauliflowers. It also mixes equally in the batter. We don’t have to use the fresh garlic in this recipe, as it will burn in the air fryer.
ONION POWDER:
- It will add a mild sweet and umami flavor to this snack. It also pairs well with the garlic powder. It also helps to create a balance in the seasoning mixture.
CAYENNE PEPPER:
- It will help to provide a light, spicy taste in this snack. We can add the quantity of the cayenne pepper as we can tolerate. Exclude the cayenne pepper to make it mild.
SALT:
- It will enrich the flavor of the dish and also balance the spices. Fine salt is best distributed evenly in the dish.
EGG:
- It acts as a binding component and helps in sticking the coating to the florets. It should be beaten well. You can also use a plant-based substitute if you want to make it vegan.
CAULIFLOWER FLORETS:
- It is best to use the fresh cauliflower florets to provide the best crisp taste. We have to make equal-sized pieces of the florets so they get crisp evenly.
OLIVE OIL:
- It helps to coat the cauliflower florets in the basket so they get crisp well. Spray the oil lightly so the florets will not get soggy.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, panko, garlic powders, & salt in the tray.
- Beat the egg softly in a deep vessel.
- Turn the air fryer on to 370°F.
- After dipping each cauliflower floret into the egg and covering it with the panko mixture, transfer it to a big plate.
- Place the cauliflower in the basket in a single line with some gap in between them, then drizzle it with olive oil.
- Air-fried for 9 to 12 minutes till crisp and golden brown. Continue with whatever cauliflower is left.
- Serve the dish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
DIPS:
- Garlic Aioli
- Ranch Dressing
- Spicy Mayo
- Honey Mustard
- Buffalo Sauce
DINNER:
- Grilled Chicken
- Veggie Wraps
- Quinoa Bowls
- Rice Bowls
- Pasta Dishes
SNACKS:
- Party Platter
- Game-Day Bites
- Appetizer Tray
- Finger Food Board
- Snack Bowl
HEALTHY PAIRINGS:
- Green Salad
- Avocado Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
- Hummus Plate
- Yogurt Dip Platter
WRAPS & SANDWICHES:
- Cauliflower Tacos
- Veggie Sandwich
- Pita Wraps
- Flatbread Wraps
- Slider Buns
TIPS:
- Dip the florets in the egg with a moist hand, then add it to the panko blend. Next, dust it with the panko mixture using your dry hand. Having paper towels or kitchen towels on hand to clean your fingertips doesn’t harm either.
- Don’t forget the olive oil. The veggies won’t become nearly as crispy and golden without it! Remember that this air-fried cauliflower is far lighter than ordinary fried cauliflower, even with the oil.
- The cauliflower florets should be placed in the basket in a one line with a small gap between each one. They won’t crisp up and will steam when cooking if they are too packed.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the remaining cauliflowers in the closed dish and stock for 3 days.
FREEZER:
- Add the uncooked florets to the covered vessel and freeze them for 1 month.
FAQs:
Can I prepare gluten-free cauliflower?
- Yes, utilize the gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for this purpose.
Will I bake them instead?
- Yes, we can easily bake them instead at 200° C for 20 to 25 minutes by flipping them in between.
Why can’t the cauliflower get crisp well?
- You might add lots of cauliflower in one batch or add less oil so they can’t get crisp well.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Net carbs: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 8 g
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Fat: 9 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Total carbs: 26 g
Calcium: 60 mg
Iron: 1.8 mg
Serving: 2
Vitamin A: 180 mg
Potassium: 320 mg