Name: Fried Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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 (about 3 inches deep)

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Introduction

Fried cauliflower is a crispy and flavorful snack that everyone will love. With a light batter and perfectly golden coating, it’s an easy way to enjoy this humble vegetable. Serve it as an appetizer or a tasty side dish for any meal.

A white plate holds around fifteen golden-brown, crispy fried cauliflower fritters, each with a rough, bumpy texture and irregular shapes. In the middle of the plate is a small black bowl filled with smooth, thick orange dipping sauce that has a slight swirl on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth slightly visible below it, and two small white raw cauliflower florets are placed near the bottom right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Cut the cauliflower in half, then separate into florets.
Step 2: In a large pot, pour oil about 3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). A deep fryer can be used as well.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk, whisking until you have a smooth batter.
Step 4: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off by shaking gently with a fork.
Step 5: Carefully add the battered florets to the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Remove the fried florets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, let the battered florets rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying.
Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the batter for additional flavor.

Use sparkling water instead of milk for a lighter, crispier batter.
Serve with a tangy yogurt dip or spicy sriracha mayo for a delicious contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover fried cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause sogginess.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds many golden brown crispy fritters with rough, uneven textures, some showing small holes and a crunchy surface. In the middle of the bowl sits a small black cup filled with smooth, creamy orange dipping sauce. A woman's hand is lifting one of the fritters and dipping it halfway into the sauce, with the sauce coating the lower part of the fritter. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the battered florets at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.

What dipping sauces pair well with fried cauliflower?

Classic options include ranch, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a simple lemon tahini sauce. Choose one that complements your flavor preference.