Air fryer Breaded Cauliflower

Air fryer breaded cauliflower is so crispy and tasty that it is one of my favourite appetizers. Not deep frying it is such a boon.

I have made cauliflower in the air fryer before. Frozen cauliflower, Buffalo cauliflower bites, whole cauliflower and cauliflower steaks. These Aloo gobi, gobi manchurian, air fryer broccoli and cauliflower are air fryer carrots and cauliflower also fabulous.

These crispy cauliflower bites are absolutely delightful. Pair them with a dip or chutney for an addictive starter. Of course, if you are vegetarian and eat dairy, then you can use milk in the recipe or even use eggs before dipping in breading for binding.

Ingredients

Cauliflower: I have used 1 medium cauliflower head that has been cut into florets. I keep the florets slightly bigger but smaller ones work well too and cook faster.

Breading

Breadcrumbs: 1 cup breadcrumbs are used here. You can make your own or use panko.

All-purpose flour: I have used 1 cup all-purpose flour for the coating. You can use chickpea flour or rice flour here as well.

Spices: Garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chilli flakes are used to season the breading and flour.

Salt: For seasoning.

Soy milk: 1 cup soy milk is used in the recipe. If you eat dairy use regular milk.

Oil: I have used 1 tsp. Oil in the coating and some for brushing.

Variations and Substitutions

If you are looking for a gluten-free version of the recipe, you can use chickpea flour or rice flour in place of all-purpose flour. Use crushed cornflakes in place of breadcrumbs.

You can reduce heat in the recipe by using paprika in place of chilli flakes to the breading.

You can use any fresh herbs if you love a spark of green in your breading.

You can use some grated cheese along with the breading for a more cheesy taste. I have not used any.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this crunchy cauliflower as an appetizer or snack with  a dip or chutney. Have a beverage on the side.

You can also have these cauliflower bites in wraps or salads as a crunchy element.

Instructions

Wash the cauliflower head. I remove the leaves and discard them. But if you like, you could make crispy cauliflower leaves in air fryer and serve them as chips.

Cut the cauliflower into florets. Dry them well and keep aside. Now mix the spices and salt together.

Arrange a breading station by using 2 bowls. Add soy milk to all-purpose flour in a bowl with the spices and salt. Mix well to form a thickish slurry. 

Take breadcrumbs in the second bowl. Add salt and pepper here.

Place cauliflower florets in the bowl with slurry. Toss them so that all the florets are well coated. Then lift them up to drain off any extra coating.

Next roll them in breadcrumbs so that the breadcrumbs adhere well. Your prep work is done. Now you are ready for air frying the cauliflower.

In case you wish to, you can deep fry these florets at medium heat in oil till they are golden brown. Serve hot.

Air fryer Instructions

Preheat air fryer at 360F or 180C for 5 minutes. Do this step when you start breading the florets. It is best to bread the florets and place them straight away in the air fryer basket. We don’t want them lying around and getting soggy.

Brush air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for about 8 minutes at 360F or 180C. Now lightly brush the half air fried florets with oil and place them back in the air fryer.

Air fry at 180C or 360F for about 6-8 minutes more till the cauliflower is nice and golden brown while being well cooked inside.

Your delicious air fried cauliflower is ready to eat. Serve hot with a dip of choice.

Expert Tips

1. Dry the cauliflower florets so that they don’t become soggy when you dip them in breading. Also cut them in similar size to cook uniformly.

2. Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket so that cauliflower gets enough space for cooking.

3. Preheat your air fryer when you start breading the florets. It is best to bread the florets and place them straight away in the air fryer basket. We don’t want them lying around and getting soggy.

4. This recipe is vegan which can be easily made vegetarian by using dairy or gluten free by trying out the alternatives mentioned under variations and substitutions section.

5. You can replicate the same recipe with broccoli for a crunchy broccoli appetizer.

6. These breaded cauliflower wings can be stored for upto 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat them in an air fryer before serving.

7. You can adjust the seasonings as per taste. Use any seasonings or premixes that you like.

8. I prefer to use fresh cauliflower for this recipe. In case you are using frozen cauliflower, then thaw it thoroughly and dry it before using.

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