Description
Mexican-inspired crispy cauliflower tacos blend spicy roasted cauliflower with tangy slaw and zesty lime crema. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crunch)
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) water (or sparkling water for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheating: Calibrate oven to 220C (425F) or air fryer to 200C (400F). Line baking tray with parchment paper for oven method.
- Batter Creation: Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, homogeneous mixture, eliminating any lumps for consistent coating.
- Floret Transformation: Immerse cauliflower pieces completely in batter, allowing excess to drip off. Thoroughly coat each floret with breadcrumbs or panko, ensuring comprehensive coverage for ultimate crispiness.
- Cooking Process: For oven method, distribute breaded florets evenly on prepared tray, lightly misting with cooking spray. Bake 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden color. In air fryer, arrange florets in single layer without crowding, cooking 15-20 minutes and shaking basket midway to promote even crisping.
- Serving: Plate immediately, presenting the golden-brown cauliflower with complementary dipping sauce to enhance its robust, crunchy texture.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Florets: Pat cauliflower completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent water interference with coating adhesion.
- Master Batter Consistency: Aim for a medium-thick batter that clings smoothly to florets without dripping excessively, resembling a light pancake mix texture.
- Optimize Coating Technique: Shake off excess batter and roll florets thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely for extra crunch.
- Temperature Control Matters: Allow oven or air fryer to fully preheat before cooking to guarantee immediate high-heat contact, creating an instantly crisp exterior while maintaining tender interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg