Introduction

Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, breaded cauliflower in the air fryer is a fantastic snack or side dish. With a crunchy coating and tender inside, it’s a great way to enjoy vegetables with a satisfying twist.

Breaded Cauliflower in the Air Fryer Recipe - Recipe Image

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 and break or chop any larger pieces so all are a similar size.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water, then beat with a fork to combine.
Step 3: In a separate bowl or zip-top bag, combine panko, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir or shake to mix well.
Step 4: Dip the cauliflower pieces into the egg mixture, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly.
Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower from the egg to the bread crumb mixture. Stir or shake the bag to evenly coat each piece for best coverage.
Step 6: Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray. Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer with space between pieces to allow airflow. You may need to cook in batches.
Step 7: Spritz the cauliflower lightly with oil spray. Air fry at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy, turning or shaking the basket if needed. Check smaller batches at 6 minutes as cooking time may be shorter.
Step 8: Serve immediately with your favorite dip if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to the bread crumb mixture.
Use a spicy dip like sriracha mayo or a cooling ranch to complement the crispy cauliflower.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

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 optimal crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before coating to help the breading stick and crisp up well.

What can I use instead of eggs for coating?

You can substitute eggs with a plant-based milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch to help the bread crumbs adhere, perfect for a vegan version.

Breaded Cauliflower in the Air Fryer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

This recipe offers a crispy, flavorful breaded cauliflower prepared effortlessly in the air fryer. Perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer, it combines seasoned panko and bread crumbs for a crunchy coating on tender cauliflower florets, finished with an optional dip for added zest.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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

Additional

Oil (for spritzing)
Dip of choice (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower: Sort through the cauliflower florets and break or chop up any larger pieces so that all the cauliflower pieces are similar in size. This helps ensure even cooking.
Make Egg Wash: In a medium-sized bowl, add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water, then beat together with a fork until well combined.
Mix Breading: In a second bowl or zip-top bag, combine the panko bread crumbs, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir or shake to evenly mix the seasonings into the bread crumbs.
Coat Cauliflower in Egg: Drop the cauliflower florets into the egg wash and stir well to coat each piece thoroughly with the egg mixture.
Bread the Cauliflower: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the egg-coated florets to the breading bowl or bag. Stir or shake the florets in the bread crumbs to coat evenly. The bag and shake method is recommended for consistent coverage.
Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spritz the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single even layer with space between pieces to allow air circulation, working in batches if necessary.
Air Fry: Liberally spritz the arranged cauliflower with oil spray. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until florets turn golden brown and crispy. For subsequent batches, begin checking for doneness after 6 minutes as the air fryer will be hotter.
Serve: Remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately with your preferred dip, if desired.

Notes

Ensure even-sized cauliflower pieces for uniform cooking and crispiness.
The breading step can be done using a bowl or zip-top bag; shaking in a bag often results in more even coating.
Spritzing with oil ensures the cauliflower crisps nicely without deep frying.
Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper air circulation.
Serve with sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli for added flavor.

Keywords: breaded cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snack