Description
Enjoy crispy cauliflower with a golden-brown coating! This easy, healthier alternative to fried foods can be baked, air-fried, or fried to perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for baking
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash and cut the cauliflower into even, bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks well.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk (or just plant-based milk for a vegan option).
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dunk it into the egg (or milk) mixture to ensure full coverage.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Cook the Cauliflower
Baking Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the breaded florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the florets in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Frying Method (For Extra Crispiness):
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Cheesy Coating – Mix in more Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Herb-Infused – Add dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Buffalo Style – Toss with buffalo sauce after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baked) / 12-15 minutes (air-fried) / 3-4 minutes (fried)
- Category: appetizer, side dish,snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying, Frying
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Keywords: Crispy cauliflower, baked cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, healthy snack, cauliflower appetizer