These Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos are a tasty twist on taco night! Crispy bites of cauliflower are seasoned just right, making them a fun and healthy choice for everyone.
Honestly, they’re so good that you might forget they’re healthy! I love adding some fresh toppings like salsa and avocado for extra flavor. Who knew veggies could taste this amazing?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Choose a head that feels heavy and firm, with tight florets. If you’re not a cauliflower fan, you can use broccoli instead for a slightly different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, but if you have regular breadcrumbs, those are fine too. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Milk: Regular or plant-based milk works here. Almond or oat milk would be great substitutes if you’re dairy-free. I prefer almond milk for its subtle flavor.
Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are classic, but flour tortillas are a good alternative if you like a softer shell. Other options include lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting that golden brown and crispy texture is all about the coating and cooking method. First, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly in flour, milk, then breadcrumbs. This triple layer helps achieve that crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer well to ensure it’s hot enough to start frying and crisping as soon as you add the cauliflower.
- Arrange the florets in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. This is key for achieving a crispy texture.
- Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway. This movement helps brown all sides evenly.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Filling:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. You’ll blend flavors and textures to create a satisfying meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cauliflower:
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture first, making sure it’s well coated. Next, dip it into the milk, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. This will give your cauliflower a delicious crispy texture!
2. Air Frying the Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, add the coated cauliflower florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
3. Making the Spicy Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lime juice until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste it and adjust the hot sauce to match your desired spice level!
4. Preparing the Tacos:
While the cauliflower finishes cooking, warm your tortillas in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until they are soft and pliable. This will make it easier to fill them!
5. Assembling the Tacos:
Once the cauliflower is crispy and your tortillas are warm, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Place a few pieces of the crispy cauliflower in each tortilla. Top them off with avocado slices, a handful of red cabbage, and the diced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Dressing and Serving:
Now, drizzle the spicy sauce over the filled tacos. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor! Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side, so everyone can squeeze some lime juice over their tacos for an extra zing!
Enjoy your scrumptious Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep in mind that different flours may alter the texture slightly, so adjust the amount if necessary to achieve a good coating on the cauliflower.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Sauce?
If you’d like to keep this recipe lighter or vegan, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar to balance the flavors if using yogurt.
How Can I Store Leftover Tacos?
Store any leftover assembled tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the tortillas from becoming soggy, consider storing the components separately – keep the crispy cauliflower, toppings, and tortillas in separate containers, and assemble them just before eating!
Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, you can include extra hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want a different flavor profile, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
