Dinner

Breaded Cauliflower in the Air Fryer Recipe

ByAiden Wells February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

Crunchy, flavorful breaded cauliflower is a fantastic snack or side dish that’s easy to make in the air fryer. This recipe gives you tender cauliflower coated in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb crust, perfect for a quick bite or appetizer.

A white bowl with a blue rim is lined with white parchment paper filled with about three layers of golden crispy breaded cauliflower bites, sprinkled with green parsley pieces. On top, there are two small metal cups placed near the center, one holding a light orange creamy sauce garnished with green parsley, and the other holding a white creamy sauce also garnished with green parsley. There are three bright yellow lemon wedges placed around the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces cauliflower florets (about 5 cups)
2 large eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
Oil (for spritzing)
Dip (if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Sort through the cauliflower florets, breaking or chopping any large pieces so all are similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water. Beat with a fork until combined.
Step 3: In a second bowl or zip-top bag, combine the panko, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir or shake to mix evenly.
Step 4: Dip the cauliflower pieces into the egg mixture, stirring well to coat each piece thoroughly.
Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat evenly by stirring in the bowl or shaking in the bag for best coverage.
Step 6: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for airflow. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 7: Spritz the cauliflower liberally with oil spray. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. For additional batches, start checking at 6 minutes as the air fryer will be hotter.
Step 8: Serve the crispy cauliflower with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Try tossing the cooked cauliflower with a little grated Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy note.
Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or salsa verde for a tasty dip option.

Storage

Store any leftover breaded cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Inside a black air fryer basket, there are several small, golden-brown crispy fried cauliflower pieces scattered evenly, with green parsley bits sprinkled around them. In one corner of the basket, two yellow lemon wedges are placed. Around the basket, the scene includes a white plate with fresh green parsley and lemon slices on a white marbled surface, a white bowl with two small silver cups containing creamy orange and white sauces lined with white parchment paper, and a pair of silver tongs nearby. The whole setting rests on a white marbled texture with a striped blue and white cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly to remove moisture before breading.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating can help with even cooking, but it’s not essential. If you prefer, preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before cooking for best results.

Aiden Wells