Popcorn Cauliflower
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly snackable, Popcorn Cauliflower is a game-changer for meatless appetizers and healthy snacking. This oven-baked or air-fried recipe transforms tender cauliflower florets into crunchy, bite-sized delights coated in a flavorful blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs. Using a simple three-step breading process with plant-based or regular milk, these vegetarian "popcorn bites" are a breeze to make and require just 15 minutes of prep time. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauces—think ranch, spicy mayo, or tangy barbecue—for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or guilt-free snack. Whether you're hosting a party or looking to elevate your vegetable game, this easy Popcorn Cauliflower recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.75 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- as needed Vegetable oil or cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, discarding the tough stem.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the milk into a separate bowl and place the breadcrumbs into another shallow bowl.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Next, dip the coated floret into the milk, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, roll the floret in the breadcrumbs until fully coated and place it on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket. Repeat until all florets are breaded.
For oven baking: Lightly spray the breaded florets with cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
For air frying: Spray the florets lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they are crisp and golden brown.
Remove the crispy popcorn cauliflower from the oven or air fryer and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue, or spicy mayo.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1011 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.2 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5083 mg | 221% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.0 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 439 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 2060 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
