Air-Fried Crispy Cauliflower

Air-Fried Crispy Cauliflower is a healthy, crunchy snack or side dish made with cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter and cooked in an air fryer. It’s light, crispy, and perfect for dipping.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Cauliflower & Coating

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets (~500 g)
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika (optional)
⅓ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
1 tbsp olive oil

Optional for extra flavor

¼ tsp cayenne pepper for heat
1 tsp Parmesan cheese (optional, for sprinkling after cooking)

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

Ranch dressing
Buffalo sauce
Garlic aioli

🔪 Preparation

Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
Pat dry with paper towels to ensure batter sticks.

🥣 Make the Batter

In a bowl combine:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using)
Gradually add milk and olive oil, whisking until smooth.
The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets but not runny.

🍳 Coat the Cauliflower

Toss florets in the batter until fully coated.
Shake off excess batter lightly.
Optional: sprinkle Parmesan after air frying for extra flavor.

🌬️ Air-Fry

Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
Place cauliflower florets in the basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Air fry 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and crispy.

🍽️ Serve

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

✅ Cooking Time: ~15 minutes
✅ Total Time: ~25 minutes
✅ Servings: 2–3
✅ Flavor: crunchy, savory, and light.

⭐ Optional Variations

🌶 Buffalo cauliflower: toss with buffalo sauce after cooking.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan: sprinkle Parmesan and garlic powder on hot cauliflower.
🍯 Sweet chili glaze: brush with sweet chili sauce after air frying.
🌿 Herb seasoning: use rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for flavor twist.

If you want, I can also give you a keto-friendly air-fried cauliflower recipe that’s extra crispy without flour. 🥦✨