Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

This air fryer cauliflower recipe is a great option if you’re looking for a quick and tasty vegetable dish. The cauliflower maintains its soft within while becoming crispy on the outside. Every bite has a crisp texture and strong flavor thanks to a coating comprised of savory spices and panko bread crumbs.

This recipe is simple, uses basic ingredients, and cooks quickly in the air fryer. It works great as a healthy snack, appetizer, or side dish. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with dipping sauces like tartar sauce, vegan ranch dressing, or chipotle sauce.

Because the cauliflower is cooked in the air fryer instead of deep-fried, it becomes crispy with much less oil.

Ingredients

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1½ teaspoons smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Heaping ¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 large egg

2 cups small cauliflower florets

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

How to Cut Cauliflower

Preparing cauliflower correctly helps it cook evenly in the air fryer.

Remove the thick leaves from the bottom of the cauliflower head.

Use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically.

Break the florets apart with your hands.

Make small to medium-sized florets so they cook evenly and become crispy.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

On a rimmed tray, mix the panko bread crumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.

In a small shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg.

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.

Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg.

Coat it well with the panko mixture.

Place the coated florets onto a large plate.

Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil.

Place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Do not overcrowd the basket.

Cook in batches if necessary.

Air fry for 9 to 12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.

Repeat the process with the remaining cauliflower.

Season according to taste and serve.

Tips & Tricks

Use one wet hand and one dry hand
Dip the cauliflower in egg using one hand and coat it with panko using the other. This helps prevent sticky fingers.

Add olive oil for crispiness
Drizzling olive oil helps the cauliflower turn golden and crispy in the air fryer.

Do not overcrowd the basket
Leave space between florets so they crisp properly instead of steaming.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower

This crispy cauliflower pairs well with many dishes, especially burgers and sandwiches. You can serve it with:

Veggie burgers

Black bean burgers

Portobello mushroom burgers

Quinoa burgers

BBQ jackfruit sandwiches

It also works perfectly as a snack or appetizer with dipping sauces such as:

Tartar sauce

Vegan ranch dressing

Chipotle sauce

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store

Place leftover cauliflower in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F until warm and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the microwave.