Description
Crispy Cauliflower is a flavorful, golden, and crunchy snack or side dish. Perfectly seasoned and versatile, it’s ideal for dipping sauces, dietary adjustments, and any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for dietary needs)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash and dry the cauliflower. Cut it into evenly sized bite-sized florets. - Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in water until a smooth batter forms with a pancake-like consistency. - Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Gently shake off any excess batter. - Add the Crunch
Roll the coated florets in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the breadcrumbs evenly. - Cook the Cauliflower
For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the florets in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the florets in small batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Serve
Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, buffalo sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
- Dietary Variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Vegan: Use chickpea flour and vegan breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Keywords: crispy cauliflower recipe, cauliflower bites, baked cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, cauliflower snacks