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Fried cauliflower is my go-to crispy, low-carb snack that sneaks in some extra veggies and fiber. I make them for my kids all the time. They think they’re just getting a treat, but I know better!
A Reader’s Review
Simple, fast, tasty and nutritious. Great recipe, thank you!
Snack Time, Elevated
- Adds a Fun Twist to Veggies: Transforms ordinary cauliflower from bland to binge-worthy with a golden crunch on the outside and a tender inside.
- Perfect Party Snack: Great for sharing, everyone will be reaching for these tasty bites at your next get-together.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Easily switch up sauces and dips to keep things new every time you make them.
Fried Cauliflower Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Using fresh cauliflower is best for the perfect texture! Cut the florets into bite-size pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Oil: Canola and vegetable oil are great for frying!
- Add Some Heat! Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture if you like it spicy!
- My Favorite Buffalo Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce or completely coat the fried cauliflower! Then dip it in my creamy homemade ranch.
How to Make Fried Cauliflower
This crispy cauliflower recipe is surprisingly easy to make! Just 10 minutes to prep and 15 to cook, they’re the perfect appetizer when you’re short on time. Let’s get started!
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower in half and then cut into florets. In a large pan, add the oil about 3 inches up the sides. Heat the oil to about 350ºF. You can also use a deep fryer if you desire.
- Mix Batter Ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then add the milk to the flour mixture and whisk until combined.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and remove excess by shaking with a fork.
- Fry and Serve: Use tongs to add the breaded cauliflower pieces to the hot oil. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain excess oil and place on a paper towel lined plate. Enjoy deep-fried cauliflower with your favorite dipping sauce!
Can I Make Fried Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Yes, and it’s delicious! Temp: 400ºF ~ Time: 15 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness. *Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd, leave space between florets so they crisp up properly!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: If you have any leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container for about 3 days in the fridge, but keep in mind that your cauliflower may become soggy as it sits.
- To Reheat: To crisp up any leftovers, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes at 375ºF.
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Fried Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ cups milk
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut 1 head cauliflower in half and then cut into florets. In a large pot, add oil for frying, about 3 inches up the sides. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a deep fryer if you desire.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Whisk in 1½ cups milk until combined.
- Dip each floret into the batter and remove excess by shaking with a fork.
- Add the florets to the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tasty Dipping Sauces
Fried cauliflower is all about the dip! We love homemade sauces, and these are a few of our favorites to add creamy flavor to every bite. Find even more sauce ideas here!
Can this recipe be used with frozen florets?
Thank you for your question! Yes, but you need to thaw the florets first and squeeze any excess liquid from them! Let me know how they turn out!
I thought I didn’t like Cauliflower!! Until I made this recipe.
To the batter I added nutritional yeast, garlic powder & homemade Mrs Dash.
Yay! When cauliflower is cooked just right, it is so delicious! And those add ins sound fantastic!
Very good recipe!
The recipe was fantastic!!!!
Simple, fast, tasty and nutritious. Grat recipe, thank you!
thank you, cauliflower definitely needs some help to taste better, this definitely adds some nice flavors to a very bland vegetable!