Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

This crispy Air fryer cauliflower recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavor and texture of deep-fried cauliflower without all of the unhealthy fats and calories. Dipped in buttermilk and rolled in Panko, I love how cauliflower florets turn out flavorful, with caramelized edges and crispy heads.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

I have never been a big fan of cauliflower, but the air fryer cauliflower has changed my mind. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy outer layer while keeping it tender on the inside. Even my kids are converts. We love to dip the crispy cauliflower florets in homemade copycat chick-fil-a sauce.

This dish is made by coating seasoned cauliflower florets in a breading of your choice and then air frying them for 10-15 minutes until they are crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs or breadcrumbs of choice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoning of choice. I used Mrs. Dash's seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Salt & Pepper, or to taste
• 1 large egg
• 3 Tablespoons buttermilk or cream (half and half), or milk
• Cooking oil spray. I use grass-fed Ghee oil.

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 F/ 190 C.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

3. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and whisk together with the buttermilk or cream.

4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, coat with the panko mixture, then place on the tray, leaving some space between each floret. Spritz the cauliflower florets with oil spray (I used Ghee oil spray) and place them directly onto the air fryer tray/basket. Work in batches if necessary. 

5. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping cauliflower halfway or until golden brown and crisp. The exact timing will depend on your air fryer.

6. Repeat with any remaining cauliflower.

7. Serve with Chipotle mayo or homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce. Enjoy!

How to Choose a Good Cauliflower?

When choosing a cauliflower, look for one that is heavy for its size and has compact, tightly packed florets. The florets should be white or creamy in color, and the leaves should be green and fresh-looking. 

Avoid cauliflower with brown spots or blemishes, as this is a sign of age. Also, beware of cauliflower with yellowing leaves, as this indicates that the cauliflower is past its prime.

When you get the cauliflower home, store it in the crisper of your refrigerator and use it within 5 to 7 days for the best results.

Why does my cauliflower turn soggy?

When air-fried, cauliflower becomes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. However, roasted cauliflower can sometimes turn out soggy. There are a few possible reasons for this. 

First, the vegetable may not have been roasted long enough. Roasting cauliflower requires a high temperature, so it is important to make sure that the air fryer is preheated before adding the vegetable. 

Second, the air fryer basket may be too small. If the roasted cauliflower is crowded in the basket, it will not have enough room to brown properly. The machine that I'm using is the Cuisinart Air fryer oven. It allows to fit 2 cups of cauliflower florets comfortably.

Finally, there may be too much moisture in the pan. Be sure to use a dry pan, and avoid adding any extra liquid (such as oil or water). Cook directly on the air fryer tray (or basket) and cook in batches if needed. 

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Frozen cauliflower can be a great option for air fryer cauliflower. The store-bought frozen cauliflower will have less water content so it will air fry better. 

Air fry frozen cauliflower at a lower temperature so it doesn't burn. You may need to cook it for a longer time so it is cooked through. Check the air fryer frequently to make sure the frozen cauliflower isn't burning.

Dips & Sauces

If you are going to serve this cauliflower as an appetizer or snack, try serving it with a sauce.

There are many choices for this because cauliflower can go with many dips. You can try our Chipotle mayo sauce dip, homemade Chick-Fil-A sauce, or Creamy Avocado Cilantro sauce.

Is Panko Breaded Cauliflower low-carb?

While breaded cauliflower is not technically a low-carb food, it is a good option for those on a low-carb diet. This is because air fryer cauliflower, a naturally low-carb vegetable, is a healthy alternative to deep-fried cauliflower. 

Air Fryer Cauliflower uses less oil than traditional methods, and the breading is usually made from gluten-free or low-carb ingredients. However, you can use Pork Panko instead for keto cauliflower breadcrumbs.

If you’re not a fan of breaded cauliflower, may I suggest trying Turmeric-Cumin Roasted Cauliflower and Air-fried Cauliflower Steaks?

Other Healthy Air-fried Vegetables

• Air fryer Roasted Broccoli
• Air-fried Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer roasted carrots