why make this recipe
Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic is a great choice for those who want a delicious snack or side dish. This recipe gives you the wonderful flavor of garlic and cheese, while keeping it healthy with air frying. It’s an easy way to enjoy cauliflower, a veggie that can sometimes be overlooked. Plus, it takes less time to prepare and cook compared to traditional frying methods.
how to make Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat everything well.
- If you are using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them and the cheese on top, then toss again to mix.
- Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
how to serve Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
You can serve this tasty dish as a side with your main meal, or enjoy it as a snack. It pairs well with dips like ranch or marinara sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing touch.
how to store Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3 days. When you want to eat them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even florets for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the cauliflower from getting crispy.
- Feel free to add other seasonings, like garlic powder or herbs, to enhance the flavor.
variation
You can switch up the cheese and use a mix of different kinds like pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy flavor. You can also try adding other vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, in the same way.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and dry it well before cooking.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
You can make this recipe vegan by using nutritional yeast instead of cheese and ensuring the breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, you can spray a little cooking spray on the cauliflower before cooking, or add more breadcrumbs.
Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even florets for consistent cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Can switch up the cheese for different flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) For added flavor.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional) For extra crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat everything well.
- If you are using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them and the cheese on top, then toss again to mix.
Cooking
- Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.