Description
This Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower recipe features golden, crunchy cauliflower florets coated with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper. Perfectly roasted in the oven or air fryer, this dish serves as a delicious, healthy side that elevates simple cauliflower with irresistible cheesy crispiness in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 3-4 cups cauliflower florets
Seasoning and Coating
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower to a crispy finish.
- Coat the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with melted butter ensuring they are thoroughly coated for flavor and crisping.
- Add the Seasoning: Combine Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper, then sprinkle over the cauliflower and toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges turn crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and enjoy the cauliflower hot for the best texture and flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer (optional): If using an air fryer, preheat it to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the Cauliflower in Air Fryer (optional): Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, place cauliflower in a single layer, and cook for about 20 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crispiness.
Notes
- You can use either the oven or an air fryer for this recipe; both methods yield crispy cauliflower.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into similar sized florets for even cooking.
- Using non-stick spray or oil helps prevent sticking and promotes crispiness during roasting or air frying.
- Check the cauliflower at the 15-minute mark to avoid burning if your oven tends to run hot.