Description
Crispy cauliflower tacos blend Mexican-inspired flavors with golden, crunchy vegetables. Zesty seasonings and tangy slaw create a memorable 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
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
- Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 220C (425F) or air fryer to 200C (400F), positioning rack in central position and lining baking sheet with parchment paper if using traditional oven.
- Batter Creation: Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth, ensuring complete ingredient integration without lumps.
- Coating Technique: Immerse cauliflower florets completely in prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off, then meticulously coat each piece with breadcrumbs or panko, pressing gently to secure crisp exterior.
- Cooking Method: For oven roasting, arrange battered florets on prepared baking sheet with minimal overlap, lightly misting with cooking spray; for air fryer, position florets in single layer within basket, maintaining space between pieces.
- Roasting Process: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or air fry for 15-20 minutes, rotating or shaking midway through cooking to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent crispness.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer crispy cauliflower immediately to serving platter, accompanying with selected dipping sauce to enhance flavor profile and maintain optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Manage Moisture Effectively: Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before battering to prevent sogginess and ensure optimal crispiness.
- Optimize Batter Consistency: Aim for a medium-thick batter that clings smoothly to florets without dripping excessively, creating an even coating.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Space florets individually on baking sheet or air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing uniform crispness and preventing steaming.
- Customize Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or chickpea flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, maintaining recipe’s original crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg