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–+ servings

Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower with Cheese and Garlic

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This recipe transforms plain cauliflower into something addictive: crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and studded with savory garlic and melted cheese. Perfect for snacking, as a side dish, or an appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 head 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) Sharp cheddar gives the best melt and flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder as a milder substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky note.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley for garnish Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). A hot basket makes for faster browning.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until every floret is lightly coated.
  3. Add the shredded cheese and toss again so the cheese sticks to the cauliflower.
Cooking
  1. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — work in batches if needed to keep everything crisp.
  2. Cook for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway through. Look for golden edges and melted, slightly crisped cheese.
  3. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g

Notes

For a parmesan-forward twist, consider adding grated parmesan cheese. This method is simple and yields crisp edges without deep-frying. If you prefer less cheese, skip adding it to the wet mix and sprinkle it on halfway through cooking.
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