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Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

A pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer cauliflower florets served on a white plate, showing excellent texture.

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Follow these steps to make perfectly crispy cauliflower in your air fryer with minimal effort. This recipe focuses on achieving maximum crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; moisture prevents crisping.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the dry cauliflower with olive oil until lightly coated.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using).
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled cauliflower and toss again until all pieces are evenly seasoned.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well.
  8. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust the oiled cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before seasoning.
  • Do not skip drying the cauliflower; this is key to a crispy result.
  • If you like a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

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