If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and budget-friendly way to enjoy cauliflower, this oil-free, crunchy recipe is a game-changer! Inspired by my Australian guests, this method transforms humble cauliflower into a flavorful dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—without using any oil. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal!
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup of plant-based milk or water (for coating)
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch (or flour) with the plant-based milk or water to create a smooth, batter-like consistency.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the coated floret in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Arrange on the Baking Tray
- Place the coated cauliflower florets on the lined baking tray, making sure they don’t overlap. This helps them bake evenly and stay crunchy.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
6. Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Pair with a dipping sauce like hummus, tahini, or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- No Oil: Baking at a high temperature and using breadcrumbs creates a satisfying crunch without the need for frying.
- Simple and Affordable: Uses everyday pantry ingredients and a basic vegetable to create something extraordinary.
- Healthy: Low in calories and packed with fiber and nutrients from the cauliflower.
Enjoy this guilt-free, crunchy cauliflower recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s so good, you’ll forget it’s oil-free! ?✨
