Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Cauliflower

The inspiration for this air fryer fried cauliflower recipe came from my love for crispy, deep-fried snacks and my goal to find healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor. I remember ordering fried cauliflower at a restaurant and loving the crispy coating and tender inside, but I didn’t love the greasy feeling afterward. That’s when I decided to recreate it at home using my air fryer. 

By dipping the florets in a buttermilk egg wash and rolling them in seasoned Panko, I discovered a way to get that same crunchy, flavorful bite with fewer calories and no guilt. It quickly became a favorite in my kitchen! We love to dip the crispy cauliflower florets in homemade Copycat Chick-fil-A sauce for an extra treat. If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy Air Fryer Onion Fritters or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries—both crispy, delicious snacks perfect for dipping and sharing!

Here’s what you’ll need

• 1 medium head of cauliflower: Cut into bite-sized florets.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk: For the egg wash.
• 2 large eggs: Whisked with buttermilk.
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: For the crispy coating.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, for extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Cooking spray: To help the coating crisp up in the air fryer.

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!

While it’s optional, I love using buttermilk in this recipe. It tenderizes the cauliflower bites, giving it a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside while keeping the outside crispy. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can replace it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk with a splash of lemon juice.

How to make Breaded Cauliflower in Air Fryer

Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Make the Buttermilk Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined.

Prepare the Breading Mixture: In another bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the buttermilk egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.

Air Fry Cauliflower: for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket (or flipping each piece) halfway through for even crisping. Cook until the florets are golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy your crispy air fryer breaded cauliflower warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or Chipotle Mayo.

FAQ’s and Substitutions

Breadcrumbs
Replace Panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. If breading isn’t your thing, I highly recommend trying Turmeric-Cumin Roasted Cauliflower for a vibrant, spiced option or Air-Fried Cauliflower Steaks for a hearty, flavorful alternative. Both are simple and packed with deliciousness!

Buttermilk
Use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. For a dairy-free option, try almond or oat milk with lemon juice.

Cauliflower
Substitute cauliflower with broccoli florets, zucchini sticks, or Brussels sprouts for a fun twist on the recipe.

Seasonings
Customize the flavor by using taco seasoning, curry powder, or Italian herbs in place of garlic powder and paprika.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover breaded cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but fresh is recommended for the best results. Frozen cauliflower contains more moisture, which can make it harder for the breading to stick and crisp up properly in the air fryer. To use frozen cauliflower, thaw it completely, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly softer compared to using fresh cauliflower.

Can I use Blanched Cauliflower?

Yes, you can use blanched cauliflower for this recipe, though it’s not necessary. Blanching can soften the cauliflower a bit, so it may cook faster in the air fryer. Just be sure to pat it dry after blanching to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the breading from crisping up properly. The result will still be delicious, with a tender interior and crispy exterior!