Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
A delightful and healthy way to enjoy cauliflower, this recipe yields perfectly crispy florets with a seasoned batter, ideal as a snack, side, or appetizer. It's a quick and easy plant-based dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
- 0.75 cup cold water or plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil for spraying (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry cauliflower florets. Ensure they are completely dry for maximum crispiness.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add cold water (or plant-based milk), whisking continuously until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter.
- Place the battered florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; work in batches if necessary.
- If desired, lightly spray the florets with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Ensure florets are completely dry before battering for the best crispiness. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or a lemon-tahini dressing. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.