Description
Cauliflower meets crispy perfection in this mouthwatering recipe that elevates a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy dish. Seasoned with bold spices and baked to golden crunchiness, this simple yet irresistible creation will become your new favorite side or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup (125 grams / 4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crunch)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Serving Ingredients:
- Cooking spray or oil
- Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the oven or air fryer to optimal roasting temperature, selecting 220C (425F) for traditional oven with parchment-lined baking sheet or 200C (400F) for air fryer.
- Create a smooth, well-seasoned batter by whisking flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until completely incorporated.
- Transform cauliflower florets into crispy delights by thoroughly dipping each piece into the prepared batter, allowing excess to cascade off.
- Enhance textural complexity by generously rolling batter-coated florets in breadcrumbs or panko, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunchiness.
- For oven preparation, distribute coated florets across the parchment-lined sheet, applying a delicate mist of cooking spray or gentle oil drizzle to promote golden browning.
- Roast the cauliflower, rotating midway through cooking process, until achieving a vibrant golden exterior and irresistible crispness – approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Alternatively, for air fryer method, arrange florets in a single layer within the basket, ensuring adequate spacing for even crisping.
- Air fry the cauliflower, shaking basket midway to guarantee uniform browning, until reaching a perfect golden-brown texture in 15-20 minutes.
- Immediately present the piping hot, crispy cauliflower alongside preferred dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment and textural contrast.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Swap: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Spice Intensity Control: Adjust paprika and garlic powder quantities based on personal heat preference, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Moisture Management: Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before battering to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
- Breadcrumb Variety: Experiment with different breadcrumb types like panko, Italian-seasoned, or even crushed nuts for varied crunch and flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg