Plain ol’ cauliflower is given new life in this crave-worthy plant-based recipe. These Vegan Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower bites are crispy, crunchy, and remarkably healthy!
Crispy, Crunchy Cauliflower Bites
Sometimes you just need to splurge, right? When we first moved to our neighborhood, we soon discovered a Deli that periodically offered fried cauliflower and it was so, SO GOOD.
Needless to say, we began to stick our head in from time to time on the way home from work specifically looking to see if they had made it that day. The cauliflower just seemed to call us!
However, after we began following a plant-based diet, our pop-in’s subsided but not our cravings. Therefore, we started experimenting on creating a homemade recipe that would maybe fool our taste buds, and we finally have it- Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower!
A Healthier Air-Fried Version
But probably the best thing about this homemade version is that it’s made in an air fryer. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, NOW is the time!
One really can’t beat the crispiness achieved with only one teaspoon of oil- healthier and yet still absolutely crave-worthy. However, they can also be baked in the oven, if necessary.
Perfect for Dipping
For this recipe, the bite-sized cauliflower pieces are covered in a crunchy breadcrumb topping with just the right amount of seasoning. Additionally, the spices are versatile enough to dip these flavor bombs into just about anything… ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce, or our personal favorite, 2-Minute Vegan Creamy Sriracha Sauce.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Cauliflower – The best base for these delicious crispy bites.
- Breadcrumb – Browned to perfection, breadcrumb gives this cauliflower recipe a great crunch.
- Flax Eggs – The gooey consistency of the flax egg allows the crunchy breadcrumb to stick to the cauliflower.
- Spices – Common spices, salt & pepper, and optional crushed red pepper, give the crispy coating amazing flavor and allow the cauliflower to shine.
- Olive Oil – ½ tsp of oil is all you need to make a head of cauliflower into crispy crunchy air-fried bites.
FAQ & Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower Tips:
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Can this Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower be reheated?
- Yes. Although it can be reheated in a microwave, we recommend putting it back into the air fryer for reheating. This will allow them to retain their crispy coating.
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Can this cauliflower be made gluten-free?
- Absolutely. Just be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the coating.
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Prep Tip: Chop the cauliflower into very small bite-sized florets
- Cutting the pieces small will ensure that the cauliflower cooks completely in the air fryer. Additionally, the small size will better mimic real popcorn, hence the name.
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Mix It Up.
- Although this recipe uses common spices, feel free to mix it up. Prefer spicy? 🌶 Add some cayenne pepper. Like a little bit of smoke? 🔥Try smoked paprika. You really can’t go wrong in the spice department with this recipe.
It’s Time for Popping!
This deliciously poppable air-fried cauliflower is crispy on the outside with a tender roasted cauliflower inside and although it’s so much healthier for you, it’s still perfect for splurging. Make it for a party or just to enjoy yourself. But be forewarned, once you pop, it’s hard to stop!
Finally, if you have made this popcorn cauliflower recipe, we would love to hear what you think! Please comment down below and be sure to rate the recipe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks so much!
Vegan Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower
- Prep Time: 20 min.
- Cook Time: 30 min.
- Total Time: 50 min.
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bite-sized cauliflower florets covered in a crispy, crunchy coating. This vegan air fryer popcorn cauliflower is a healthy, guilt-free side.
Ingredients
- 3 Flax Eggs
- 1 Head Cauliflower (Cut into Small Florets)
- 1/2 Cup Tapioca Flour
- 1 Cup Bread Crumb (Gluten-Free if needed)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Olive Oil
Optional Garnish:
- 2-Minute Vegan Creamy Sriracha Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp flax seed meal with 9 Tbsp warm water from the faucet. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-size florets.
- Place the florets in a large bowl. Top with the tapioca flour and shake to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumb, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper and stir.
- One-by-one, dip the flour coated cauliflower florets into the flax egg mixture and then in the breadcrumb. Make sure the cauliflower is thoroughly coated and set aside. Repeat until all of the cauliflower is used. If necessary, mix another flax egg or add more breadcrumb.
- Add the oil to the air fryer and Preheat to 400° F.
- Make the recipe for 2-Minute Vegan Creamy Sriracha Sauce, if using.
- Working in batches, place enough coated florets into the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry until evenly brown on all sides, approx. 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn.
- Serve hot with the sauce or another dip of your choosing and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
- Leftover popcorn cauliflower can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer.
Notes
- The equipment listed above contains affiliate links to products that we personally use, love, and recommend!
Keywords: Air Fryer Popcorn Cauliflower, Vegan Air-Fried Cauliflower Recipe
