Air-Fryer Breaded Cauliflower: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Breaded cauliflower made in an air fryer is a tasty, crispy, and healthy snack. The air fryer cooks the cauliflower to perfection, making it tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it can be served as a side dish or appetizer.

How to cut cauliflower

To cut cauliflower, start by removing the coarse leaves from the base of the head. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. You can then cut each half into quarters. Next, cut out the central core from each quarter. You can use your hands to break the cauliflower into florets, or use a knife to cut each floret into smaller portions. If you want the florets to be roughly the same size, cut larger florets in half or into thirds. This will ensure they cook evenly.

How to season cauliflower

Seasoning cauliflower is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your desired outcome. Here are some instructions on how to season cauliflower when making breaded cauliflower in an air fryer:

Cutting and Preparing the Cauliflower:

First, you'll want to cut the cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets. Remove the coarse leaves from the base of the head and use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. Then, use your hands to break apart the florets into the desired size. This step is important to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.

Choosing Your Seasonings:

You can choose a variety of seasonings to add flavor to your cauliflower. Some popular options include:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Turmeric
• Nutritional yeast
• Chili powder

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favorite blend. You can also use premade seasoning mixes like fajita or taco seasoning.

Coating the Cauliflower:

Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. Then, add your chosen seasonings and toss the florets to ensure they are well coated with the seasoning mixture. You can also try dipping the florets in a beaten egg before coating them with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a crispier texture.

Air Frying the Cauliflower:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 370°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket, and cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 7-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness, tossing or shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Your seasoned and breaded cauliflower is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Don't forget to dip it in your favorite sauce!

How to air fry cauliflower

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air fryer cauliflower:

• Cauliflower
• Olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice
• Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, turmeric, and black pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Egg (optional)

Instructions

• Cut the cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets. Remove the leaves and cut off the stalk so that the cauliflower can sit flat on your counter. Then, slice it in half vertically and remove the core. You can use your hands to break the florets into smaller pieces, or use a knife to cut them into the desired size.
• Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the florets to ensure they are well-coated with oil.
• Add your chosen spices to the bowl and toss the florets again to coat them evenly with the seasoning. You can also whisk the spices together in a separate dish before adding them to the cauliflower.
• If you want to add a breadcrumb coating, beat an egg in a separate bowl and dip each floret into the egg before rolling it in the breadcrumbs. This step will give your cauliflower an extra crispy texture.
• Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the cauliflower from crisping up. You may need to work in batches.
• Air fry at a temperature between 370°F and 400°F for 7 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the cauliflower as it can burn easily, and shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Once the cauliflower is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, as it starts to lose its crispness if left to sit for too long.

Tips and Variations

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until crispy.
• You can also freeze any leftovers and reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their crispness.
• For a vegan option, use a plant-based milk such as soy milk and a vegan butter substitute in your batter.
• Get creative with your spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can try curry powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, or nutritional yeast for a "cheesy" flavor.

How to make cauliflower crispy

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make crispy cauliflower in an air fryer:

• Cauliflower
• Olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice
• Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, turmeric, and black pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Egg (optional)

Instructions

• Cut the cauliflower into small or medium-sized florets. Remove the leaves and cut off the stalk so that the cauliflower can sit flat on a surface. You can then cut it in half vertically and remove the core.
• Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the florets to ensure they are well-coated.
• Add your chosen spices to the bowl and toss the florets again to ensure they are evenly coated in the seasoning. You can also mix the spices with the oil beforehand.
• If you want to add a breadcrumb coating, beat an egg in a separate bowl and dip each floret in the egg before rolling it in the breadcrumbs.
• Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook at between 370°F and 400°F for 7-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. Shake the basket every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Serve immediately. The cauliflower is best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the air fryer.

Tips

• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
• You can also freeze the stems and use them in smoothies, or add them to soups, stir-fries, or stews.
• Cauliflower leaves are edible and can be roasted as a side dish.
• If you want to add a sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice or a spicy blue cheese dip goes well with crispy cauliflower.

How to serve breaded cauliflower

Breaded cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

As a Snack

Breaded cauliflower florets can be enjoyed on their own as a tasty and healthy snack. They are crispy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, making them a satisfying option to munch on.

With Dipping Sauces

For an even more indulgent snack or appetizer, serve the breaded cauliflower with dipping sauces on the side. Some sauce options include tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, vegan ranch dressing, alioli, or a spicy blue cheese dip.

As a Side Dish

Breaded cauliflower pairs well with various main courses, especially veggie burgers, sandwiches, pan-seared chicken, or pork chops. It can also be a tasty addition to Buddha bowls, salads, or soups.

As an Appetizer

For a hearty appetizer, serve the breaded cauliflower with a quick spicy blue cheese dip. This combination is a nice addition to an appetizer spread and will impress your guests or family.

Frequently asked questions