Description
Golden, crispy cauliflower bites seasoned to perfection and cooked in the air fryer for a healthy, indulgent snack. Pair it with a creamy blue cheese dip for a game-changing appetizer or side dish that’s quick, easy, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Pinch of black pepper
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
For the Crispy Cauliflower:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Nonstick spray
Instructions
- Make the Blue Cheese Dip:
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, blue cheese, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
- Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into florets, keeping them around 1½ inches for even cooking.
- Place florets in a large bowl. Add salt, chili powder, and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.
- Bread the Cauliflower:
- In a small bowl, whisk eggs with water.
- Pour the egg mixture over the seasoned cauliflower and toss to coat.
- Add breadcrumbs to the bowl and toss again, ensuring each floret is evenly coated.
- For extra crunch, repeat the breading process with a second layer of egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Cauliflower:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
- Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between florets.
- Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip the florets and cook for an additional 7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Repeat in batches if necessary for larger amounts.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy cauliflower hot with the blue cheese dip on the side.
Notes
- Freeze-Friendly: For a quick snack, bread the cauliflower and freeze it uncooked. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Spice It Up: Add paprika, cayenne, or Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American