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Air-fried Crispy Cauliflower

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Parameter Details
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Recipe Intensity / Skill Level Easy (Low intensity)
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispness)

  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

1.Prep and Dry the Cauliflower:

Wash the cauliflower florets thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess surface moisture creates steam, which prevents the edges from crisping properly.

2.Season the Florets:

In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried florets with oil until evenly coated. Whisk together garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the cauliflower and toss again until fully seasoned.

3.Preheat and Arrange:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which causes soggy vegetables.

4.Air Fry to Crisp Perfection:

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through (at the 7-minute mark) to ensure even browning. If adding Parmesan, sprinkle it over the florets during the final 2 minutes of cooking.

5.Garnish and Serve:

Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or ranch dressing.

Storage & Shelf Life

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Not recommended, as frozen cooked cauliflower loses its firm texture upon thawing.

  • Reheating: To restore maximum crunch, air fry leftovers at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, as it makes the coating soft and limp.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving — 1 of 4 portions, without optional Parmesan)

  • Calories: 85 kcal

  • Total Fat: 5.5 g

    • Saturated Fat: 0.8 g

  • Sodium: 310 mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 8 g

    • Dietary Fiber: 3 g

    • Sugars: 3 g

  • Protein: 3 g

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