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.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven toĀ 425Ā°F (220Ā°C)Ā and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together theĀ flour,Ā water,Ā garlic powder,Ā smoked paprika,Ā salt, andĀ pepperĀ until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the coated florets in theĀ breadcrumbsĀ for a crunchy exterior.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they arenāt touching.
- Drizzle withĀ olive oilĀ or spray with cooking spray for added crispiness.
- Bake forĀ 20ā25 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 Youāll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option:Ā Baked, not fried, for a lighter yet still crispy result.
- Customizable:Ā Adjust the seasonings and dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Versatile:Ā Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Extra Crispiness:Ā Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Even Coating:Ā Shake off excess batter before rolling in breadcrumbs to avoid clumping.
- Air Fryer Option:Ā Cook at 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate:Ā Store leftovers in an airtight container for up toĀ 3 days.
- Reheat:Ā Warm in the oven or air fryer at 400Ā°F (200Ā°C) for 5ā7 minutes to restore crispiness.
ThisĀ Crispy CauliflowerĀ recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or a party appetizer, itās bound to be a hit! š„¦āØā¤ļø
