Air-fried Crispy Cauliflower

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This Air-Fried Crispy Cauliflower is a total game-changer. With a light, seasoned crust on the outside and tender florets on the inside, it delivers all the satisfying crunch of fried comfort food with a fraction of the oil. It makes an incredible appetizer, snack, or side dish served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12-15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil spray)

For the Crispy Coating:

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra-crunchy texture)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds a savory umami crust)

For the Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Station

Cut the head of cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets so they cook evenly. Set up a three-bowl dredging station:
  • Bowl 1: The flour mixed with half of the seasoning blend.
  • Bowl 2: The beaten eggs.
  • Bowl 3: The panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of the seasoning blend tossed together.

2. Dredge the Florets

Working in batches, take a floret of cauliflower and:
  1. Toss it lightly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Dip it into the beaten egg, letting any drips fall away.
  3. Roll it firmly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere securely to all sides.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes so the basket is nice and hot.

4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them (cook in two batches if necessary). Spray the tops of the cauliflower lightly with oil spray to help them turn golden brown.
Cook at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through, until the crust is deeply golden and crunchy and the cauliflower is tender-crisp.

5. Serve Hot

Transfer to a serving plate immediately and serve hot with ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or creamy garlic aioli!

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