Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower – Guilt-Free Crunch in Minutes! 🥦😋
There’s something magical about getting that perfect crispy bite without deep frying—and this air fryer cauliflower delivers exactly that. It’s golden, crunchy, and full of flavor, yet still light enough to enjoy any day of the week.
I first tried this when I was craving something snacky but didn’t want the heaviness of fried food. A quick toss of cauliflower florets in a simple seasoned coating, a few minutes in the air fryer, and the result was a bowl of irresistible crunchy bites. Even those who usually avoid veggies couldn’t stop eating them!
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly—moisture will make them less crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil until evenly coated.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the oiled cauliflower pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd for best results).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dip—garlic mayo, ranch, or spicy sriracha sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
It’s fast, flavorful, and gives you that satisfying crunch without the oil overload. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a party appetizer, this crispy cauliflower will have everyone asking for the recipe.
For a fun twist, you can coat the florets in buffalo sauce after cooking for a spicy kick or sprinkle them with fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh finish.
