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Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower

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This crispy air-fried cauliflower is a flavorful blend of garlicky goodness, salty Parmesan, and Italian herbs, offering a crunchy snack, side, or appetizer without deep-frying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 head head cauliflower, cut into florets Choose firm heads with tight florets.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use finely grated Parm for even coating; Pecorino Romano works for a sharper bite.
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best; garlic powder can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps cheese adhere and promotes browning; avocado oil is a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Kosher or sea salt works well.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly cracked if possible.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs Optional - oregano, basil, and thyme for extra depth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
  2. Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower. Cut into even bite-sized florets for uniform cooking.
  3. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Toss the florets to lightly coat each piece.
  4. Add grated Parmesan and toss again until florets are evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Arrange florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  2. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the florets halfway through (around 6–8 minutes).
  3. When golden and crisp on the edges and tender inside, remove and let rest for 2 minutes.
  4. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes for maximum crispness. Avoid microwaving to retain texture.
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