Description
Crispy and flavorful Breaded Cauliflower cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This easy and healthier alternative to fried snacks uses a seasoned breadcrumb coating and air frying technique to deliver a crunchy, golden appetizer or side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 16 ounces cauliflower florets (about 5 cups)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
Breading
- 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
Other
- Oil spray (for spritzing)
- Dip of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Cauliflower: Sort and break down cauliflower florets into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crust coverage.
- Make Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water until combined and slightly frothy.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl or zip-top bag, combine the panko, regular bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir or shake well to mix the seasonings evenly with the crumbs.
- Coat with Egg: Dip the cauliflower pieces into the egg wash, stirring well to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Bread the Cauliflower: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the egg-coated cauliflower to the bread crumb mixture. Stir gently or seal the bag and shake to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned crumbs.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Cauliflower: Place the breaded cauliflower pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Work in batches if needed.
- Cook: Spritz the cauliflower pieces with oil spray generously. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. For subsequent batches, check after 6 minutes as the air fryer will be hotter and cook faster.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dip if desired.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- The bag shaking method for breading helps achieve an even and thorough coating.
- Spritzing with oil before and during cooking promotes a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Adjust seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste preferences.
- This recipe can be customized with different dips such as ranch, aioli, or spicy mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: breaded cauliflower, air fryer recipe, vegetarian appetizer, crispy cauliflower, healthy snack
