Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower with Sesame Crust and Creamy Lemon Sauce
An original air fryer cauliflower recipe with a crispy coating of parmesan, panko, and sesame, served with a creamy yogurt lemon sauce. Golden outside, tender inside, and perfect as an appetizer, side, or light meal.
Ingredients
- 700 g cauliflower, cut into medium florets (approx. 1 cabeza medium)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 180 g plain Greek yogurt (divided)
- 50 g finely grated Parmesan cheese (for the crust)
- 60 g panko breadcrumbs (ligero and suelto)
- 18 g sesame seeds (blancas or mixtas)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 1 unit lemon (30 ml de jugo)
- 4 g garlic powder (divided)
- 3 g sweet paprika
- 10 g Dijon mustard (for the sauce)
- 7 g honey (for equilibrar the sauce)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 8 g chopped fresh parsley (for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F / 200°C for 3 minutes.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix the beaten egg, 60 g Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil, the lemon zest, 1 tbsp / 15 ml lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, sweet paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss well until fully coated in the mixture.
- 4
In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and the remaining garlic powder. Coat each floret in this mixture, pressing lightly so the crust sticks.
- 5
Drizzle or toss the coated florets with the remaining 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil. Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them; cook in batches if needed.
- 6
Cook the cauliflower at 390°F / 200°C for 8 minutes. Open the basket, carefully turn the florets, and cook for 8 more minutes at 390°F / 200°C until golden and crisp.
- 7
Meanwhile, make the sauce by mixing the remaining Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, the remaining 1 tbsp / 15 ml lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- 8
Serve the cauliflower hot with the lemon sauce on top or on the side, and finish with the chopped fresh parsley.
Chef tips
For a more even crust, dry the cauliflower well before coating it. Do not overcrowd the basket so the air can circulate and make it truly crispy.
Substitutions
You can swap the parsley for chives. If you do not have Greek yogurt, use thick plain yogurt. For a gluten-free version, replace the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
