Description
This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy and flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower as a quick and easy side dish or snack. Coated in a smoky and spicy panko breading, these golden-brown florets are air fried to perfection and perfect with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups small cauliflower florets
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: On a rimmed tray, combine the panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (about 188°C) and allow it to preheat while you coat your cauliflower florets.
- Coat the Cauliflower Florets: In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg to fully coat it, then roll it in the panko mixture until evenly covered. Place the coated florets on a large plate.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Drizzle the coated cauliflower florets lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to help with browning and crispness. Arrange them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Cook the florets at 370°F for 9 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Repeat & Serve: Repeat the coating and air frying process with any remaining cauliflower florets. Once all are cooked, season to taste and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- This air fryer cauliflower is a quick and easy side dish or snack, great for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- The smoked paprika and cayenne add a smoky and slightly spicy kick, but you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the florets become crisp on all sides.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, aioli, or your favorite spicy sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 4 servings total)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
