Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

4 servings
These crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos perfectly mimic a fish taco, but are completely vegan.

Ingredients

  • thinly sliced red cabbage
    1 c.
  • red onion

    diced

    ½ small
  • jalapeño

    minced

    1
  • garlic

    minced

    1 clove
  • juice of
    1
  • apple cider vinegar
    2 tbsp.
  • kosher salt
  • all-purpose flour
    1 ½ c.
  • chili powder
    1 tsp.
  • cumin
    1 tsp.
  • garlic powder
    ½ tsp.
  • cayenne pepper
    ½ tsp.
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • almond milk or other non-dairy milk
    1 ½ c.
  • panko bread crumbs
    1 ½ c.
  • head cauliflower

    cut into bite-size florets

    1 medium
  • cooking spray
  • vegan mayonnaise
    ½ c.
  • sriracha
    2 tbsp.
  • maple syrup
    1 tsp.
  • corn tortillas
  • sliced avocado
  • freshly chopped cilantro
  • lime wedges

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine slaw ingredients. Let sit while prepping tacos, stirring every so often. 

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, combine flour and spices and season well with salt and pepper. Add almond milk and stir to combine. Mixture should be thick, but still easy to dip cauliflower into. Add a little more milk if needed. Place panko into small bowl. 

  3. 3

    Dip florets into milk mixture, wiping any excess off, then toss in panko.

  4. 4

    Working in batches, place coated cauliflower into basket of air fryer and spray with cooking spray. Cook at 400° for 15 minutes, stopping about halfway through to toss and spray with more cooking spray.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, combine vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, and maple syrup. 

  6. 6

    Assemble tacos: On a tortilla top with cooked cauliflower, avocado, pickled slaw, cilantro, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Serve with lime wedges.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos

5.0(6)70 min4 servings

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Based on 6 ratings

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5.0(6 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors of a classic fish taco, but prefer a plant-based option? These Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos deliver an incredibly similar experience, offering a vegan twist that's perfect for any weeknight meal.

This recipe shines by leveraging the air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy cauliflower florets without excessive oil. The seasoned breading, a clever blend of spices like chili powder and cumin, mimics the seasoned crunch you’d expect, while a tangy lime-cider slaw and a creamy sriracha mayo bring layers of bright, spicy flavor that tie everything together. It's a smart approach that makes plant-based eating exciting and full of texture.

Expect a delightful medley of textures and tastes with every bite. You'll get the satisfying crispness of the golden-brown cauliflower, followed by the soft chew of a warm corn tortilla. The quick-pickled red cabbage and red onion slaw adds a refreshing, acidic counterpoint, beautifully cutting through the richness of the spicy vegan mayonnaise. This naturally dairy-free and vegan main dish is bright, zesty, and surprisingly hearty, making it a favorite for those seeking bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Feel free to customize these tacos to your preference. While almond milk is suggested for the breading, any non-dairy milk will work just as well. For a less spicy kick, reduce the amount of jalapeño in the slaw or sriracha in the mayo. You can also add other fresh veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers to the slaw for extra crunch and color.

Serve these Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos immediately for the best experience, garnished generously with sliced avocado, freshly chopped cilantro, and plenty of lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. They make a fantastic, flavorful option for any casual dinner or gathering.

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