Ticking the yummy vegetable box for fussy kids, low carb dieters AND those who just love the humble cauliflower, this cauliflower recipe for crunchy popcorn cauliflower IS EVERYTHING. And you can even make them in the air fryer.
Perfect for a side dish, snack or a warm addition to a grazing platter, this popcorn cauliflower is a fantastic way to get some extra veggies into bellies.
Give me a cauliflower STAT!
Honestly, next time you see cauliflower out at a good price, this is the cauliflower recipe you need to try. You can change it up any way you like, add some extra spice or swap the almond meal out for yummy panko breadcrumbs if someone has a nut allergy. It turns watery, bland cauliflower on its head and the bite-size pieces are fun little dippers!
Don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t sweat it – you can still whip this cauliflower recipe up in the oven. Just preheat the oven to 200°C, use a lined baking tray and cook for 20 – 25 minutes.
Popcorn Cauliflower Recipe
Serves: 6
Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup almond meal (or almond flour)
- 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley to garnish (optional)
- Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)
- Spray oil
Method
1. Take the cauliflower and cut it into small, bite-size florets (roughly all the same size) and set it aside.
2. In a small bowl beat the three eggs together.
3. In a large bowl mix together the almond meal, the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder salt and pepper.
4. Dip the cauliflower florets in the beaten egg and then roll them in the almond meal mixture. Place the crumbed pieces of cauliflower on a baking tray until you’ve finished covering all the pieces and you’re ready to air fry them.
5. Spray the basket of your air fryer with oil and then load in a single layer of your crumbed cauliflower in the base, drizzle your cauliflower with oil or give them a quick spray with an oil spritzer. Cook for 10-15 minutes at 200°C or until cooked through and crunchy.
7. Once cooked, transfer to a plate. If using parsley to garnish, sprinkle it over the top and serve with a favourite dipping sauce (I highly recommend Nando’s mayonnaise, so yum!). Eat straight away!
Just like little cauliflower nuggets, this is one cauliflower recipe to get veggies into your kids without them being highly suspicious – and if they’re merrily dipping their cauliflower into tomato sauce, well… just let them be. Pick your parental battles and all that business.
Do you have a favourite cauliflower recipe that you want to share? Or perhaps it’s another veggie – let’s hear your best suggestions for sweet potato, beans or broccoli – we love to hear them all! Please feel free to pop your suggestion below in the comments section so you can inspire others.
