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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or dairy-free alternative) - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional) - 1/4 cup diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup sliced green onions - 1/4 cup sour cream or vegan alternative - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Air Fryer Nacho Cauliflower. Start with a large head of cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets for even cooking. You will need one tablespoon of olive oil to help the seasonings stick. For flavor, use chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices give the cauliflower a nice kick. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper for balance. Next, cheese is the star of the show. Use one cup of shredded cheese, whether you prefer cheddar or a dairy-free option. If you want to take it up a notch, add some optional toppings. Black beans add protein and texture. Sliced jalapeños bring heat if you like it spicy. Fresh tomatoes and green onions add color and freshness. Finally, dollops of sour cream or a vegan alternative balance the flavors nicely. With these ingredients ready, you will create a tasty dish that everyone will love! First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the air fryer, which helps cook the cauliflower evenly. A hot air fryer gives the cauliflower a nice crunch. Take one large head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Place them in a big bowl. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the florets. Then, add one teaspoon each of chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle in half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well until the florets are nicely coated with the spices. Now, place the seasoned florets in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the cauliflower for 15 to 18 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This step ensures all sides get crispy and golden. Once the cauliflower is done, take it out of the air fryer. Place the florets in a baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese evenly over the cauliflower. Add half a cup of rinsed black beans and sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese for an extra kick. Return the baking dish to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese until it bubbles. After that, carefully take it out. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and dollops of sour cream. If you like, add fresh cilantro for a bright finish. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Nacho Cauliflower! To get crispy cauliflower, you need to coat it well. Use a tablespoon of olive oil to help the spices stick. Toss the florets in a big bowl until they are covered. The spices add flavor, and the oil helps make them crispy. Air fry them at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to cook evenly. If you have a small air fryer, cook in batches. Cheese makes nachos great! You can use shredded cheddar for a classic taste. A dairy-free cheese works if you want a vegan version. Both options melt well and taste amazing. Sprinkle the cheese on the cauliflower after air frying. Return it to the air fryer to melt the cheese for 3-5 minutes. This step makes it gooey and delicious. Serve your nacho cauliflower hot and fresh. Add black beans and jalapeños for extra texture. Top with diced tomatoes and green onions for a burst of color. A dollop of sour cream or its vegan alternative adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro can give a nice pop of flavor. You can enjoy this dish as a snack or side. It pairs well with a cold drink or a fresh salad. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just skip the cheese and sour cream. Use a dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy. It melts well, too. You can also replace sour cream with a vegan option made from cashews. This keeps the flavors rich and creamy. If you love heat, add more spice. Use two jalapeños instead of one. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick. Another great idea is to mix in some hot sauce with your olive oil. This gives the cauliflower a nice spicy flavor. For those avoiding cheese, you can still enjoy great taste. Try using nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Mix it into the spices before tossing with the cauliflower. You still get that delicious nacho feel with less fat. To store your Air Fryer Nacho Cauliflower, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the toppings if you want them to stay fresh. To reheat, use your air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This gives your cauliflower a nice crisp again. You can also use a microwave, but it may not stay as crispy. If you want to freeze the nacho cauliflower, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Thaw it first and pat it dry. This helps remove extra moisture. If you skip this step, the cauliflower may not get crispy. Toss the thawed cauliflower with olive oil and seasonings just like fresh florets. To spice it up, add more chili powder. You can also include sliced jalapeños. For extra heat, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. I recommend 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This high heat gives the cauliflower a nice crunch. It cooks evenly and gets golden brown. Yes, you can skip the cheese. The cauliflower will still be tasty. For creaminess, try using guacamole or a vegan cheese. You can also add more toppings like beans or salsa for flavor. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious air fryer nacho cauliflower. We explored simple tips to ensure crispy florets and creative topping ideas. You can also customize your dish with variations, whether vegan or cheesy. Storing leftovers and reheating tips help you enjoy this treat later. Overall, this recipe is a fun and tasty option for snack time. Enjoy your cooking and get creative with flavors!

Air Fryer Nacho Cauliflower

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Air Fryer Nacho Cauliflower recipe. Enjoy crispy, flavorful cauliflower topped with melted cheese, black beans, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for a snack or party dish, this easy recipe takes just 30 minutes! Discover how to make this delicious and satisfying treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your appetizer game!
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Ingredients
  

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a dairy-free alternative)

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/4 cup sour cream or vegan alternative

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

      Place the seasoned florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.

        Air fry the cauliflower for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are crispy and golden.

          Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

            Add the black beans and sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese.

              Return the filled baking dish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer and top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and dollops of sour cream.

                  Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4