Air-Fried Crispy Cauliflower
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup almond flour (for extra crispiness, low-carb)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds smoky flavor)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prep the cauliflower
Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. Moisture prevents crispiness, so make sure they’re really dry.
Season
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add coating
Sprinkle Parmesan and almond flour over the cauliflower, then toss again so each piece is evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer
Set it to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Air fry
Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like a spicy aioli, ranch, or low-carb ketchup).
✅ Tips for extra crunch:
Don’t skip drying the cauliflower.
Shake the basket or flip the florets halfway to cook evenly.
Parmesan + almond flour makes it crispy without breading.
If you want, I can also give you a cheesy “tater tot” style version that’s even closer to the snacky, addictive vibe you described. It’s super fun to munch on!
Do you want me to share that version too?