Description
This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful cauliflower florets seasoned with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and sea salt. Perfect as a healthy snack or side dish, the florets are dipped in egg, coated with a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture, drizzled with olive oil, and air fried to golden perfection. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious, guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Coating
- 2 cups small cauliflower florets
- 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
- 1 large egg
For Cooking
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: On a rimmed tray, thoroughly mix the panko bread crumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and sea salt to create a well-seasoned coating.
- Beat the Egg: In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg to use as a binder for the breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the cauliflower.
- Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dredge the floret in the panko breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered. Place the breaded florets onto a large plate, arranging them in a single layer.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the coated cauliflower florets to help achieve a crispy finish during air frying.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with some space between each piece to allow air circulation. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the florets are golden brown and crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the coating and frying process with any remaining cauliflower. Season with additional sea salt if desired and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- This recipe makes a quick, easy, and healthy side or snack with a flavorful, crispy coating.
- For extra flavor, toss with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness; work in batches if needed.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the level of spiciness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for best crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup cauliflower florets)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
