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Bake Crispy Cauliflower – Healthy, Crunchy & Flavorfu

Learn how to bake crispy cauliflower to perfection! Golden, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor. A healthy, easy side dish or snack that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or guilt-free indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Healthy comfort food, Keto-Friendly, Vegetarian
Servings 4 (approx. 1 cup per serving)
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or air fryer basket
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs or spatula for flipping
  • Deep fryer or heavy pot (if frying)
  • Paper towels for draining fried cauliflower

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into uniform florets
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)
  • Fresh herbs, lemon zest, or dipping sauces for garnish

Optional flavor twists:

  • Buffalo: hot sauce
  • Asian-inspired: soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
  • BBQ: smoked paprika, garlic powder, BBQ seasoning
  • Keto coating: almond flour or crushed pork rinds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Oven 425°F (220°C) or prep air fryer basket.
  • Prepare Cauliflower: Wash, remove leaves and core, cut into even florets, and pat dry.
  • Toss with Oil & Seasonings: Combine florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and optional coatings.
  • Arrange Florets: Spread in a single layer on baking sheet or in air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
  • Cook:
    Oven: Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Air Fryer: Cook 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
    Deep Fry: Fry in batches 5–7 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  • Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or lemon zest.
  • Serve Hot: Enjoy with dips like ranch, aioli, tahini, or marinara.

Notes

  • Pat florets dry for extra crispiness.
  • Avoid overcrowding pan or basket to ensure even cooking.
  • Flip halfway through baking or air frying.
  • Experiment with spices, herbs, and sauces for flavor variety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crisp.
  • Freezer tip: blanch florets briefly before freezing; bake or air fry before serving.
Keyword Air fryer cauliflower, Buffalo Cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, Low-Carb Snack, Parmesan Cauliflower, Roasted cauliflower