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“Golden, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious, this crispy cauliflower recipe is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!”
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for added crispiness)
Optional Sauces for Serving:
- Ranch, buffalo, sweet chili, or marinara sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the coated florets in the breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t touching.
- Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for added crispiness.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, for a lighter yet still crispy result.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Extra Crispiness: Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Even Coating: Shake off excess batter before rolling in breadcrumbs to avoid clumping.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
This Crispy Cauliflower recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or a party appetizer, it’s bound to be a hit! 🥦✨❤️