Breaded Cauliflower in the Air Fryer Recipe
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.
- 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
