Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer keto cauliflower wedges! I stumbled onto this recipe during a desperate snack attack one evening when my carb cravings were off the charts. Who knew something so crispy and satisfying could actually be good for you? The first time I pulled these golden wedges out of the air fryer – still sizzling with that perfect crunch – I couldn’t believe my taste buds. Now they’re my secret weapon for movie nights, game day snacks, or when I just need something delicious that won’t kick me out of ketosis. Best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes from fridge to plate – no complicated prep, no weird ingredients, just simple, flavorful magic.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Trust me, these aren’t just any cauliflower wedges—they’re a total game-changer. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to snack:
- Crispy perfection: That golden, crunchy outside? It’s like magic—without a single breadcrumb in sight.
- Quick fix: From chopping to chomping in under 30 minutes (perfect for when hunger strikes fast).
- Keto dream: Just 3g net carbs per serving means you can indulge without guilt.
- Flavor playground: Swap spices to match your mood—smoky paprika today, zesty lemon pepper tomorrow.
- Air fryer love: Gets crispier than oven-baked with way less oil (cleanup’s a breeze too).
I make these at least twice a week—they’re that good. You’ll forget they’re actually good for you!
Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your pantry already! The magic happens with just a handful of basics:
- The star: 1 medium head cauliflower (about 5 cups when cut into 1-inch wedges)
- For crispiness: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (the good stuff makes a difference!)
Flavor boosters:
- 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret – use roasted garlic powder if you have it)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular, your choice)
- 1/2 tsp salt (I use coarse kosher salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Optional but amazing: 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese (none of that pre-shredded stuff – it doesn’t melt right!)
How to Make Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Okay, let’s get cooking! I’ve made these cauliflower wedges so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turn out perfectly crispy every time.
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
First things first – grab that cauliflower and cut it into wedges about 1-inch thick at the stem. You want them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly (nobody wants some pieces burnt while others are still raw!). Here’s my trick: pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning – this helps the oil stick better and gives you that amazing crunch.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Now for the fun part! Toss those wedges in a big bowl with the olive oil until they’re nicely coated. Then sprinkle all your spices over them – I like to use my hands to really massage everything in so every single wedge gets flavor in every bite. The Parmesan comes later – trust me, adding it after cooking keeps it from burning.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this is key for that perfect crisp! Arrange the wedges in a single layer (don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp up). Set the timer for 12-15 minutes, but here’s the important part: shake that basket or flip the wedges halfway through! You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown with those beautiful crispy edges. Oh, that smell!
How to Make Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy—you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get restaurant-quality crispy wedges right at home. Just follow these steps and you’ll be snacking in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
First things first—let’s tackle that cauliflower head. Cut it into wedges about 1-inch thick (think steak fry size). Uniform pieces mean even cooking—no burnt bits or sad, soggy middles! Here’s my pro tip: pat those wedges dry with paper towels. Cauliflower holds onto water like a sponge, and we want crispiness, not steaminess.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Now for the fun part—flavor town! Toss those wedges in a big bowl with olive oil first (this helps the spices stick). Then shower them with all those gorgeous seasonings—garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder. Get in there with your hands and massage it all in—you want every nook and cranny coated. (Save the Parmesan for after cooking—it burns easily in the air fryer!)
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F—this is key for that instant crisp. Arrange the wedges in a single layer (no stacking! they need breathing room). Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown with crispy edges. If you’re adding Parmesan, sprinkle it on now while they’re still hot—it’ll melt into the most delicious cheesy crust.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
After making these cauliflower wedges more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for absolute perfection every time:
- Dry is key: Seriously, take that extra minute to pat your wedges dry—it makes all the difference for crispiness!
- Oil upgrade: If you’ve got avocado oil, use it! It handles high heat better than olive oil without smoking.
- Cheese timing: Wait until after cooking to add Parmesan—those golden specks should melt, not burn.
- Space them out: Crowding = steaming. Give each wedge room to get crispy all around.
- Taste test: Start checking at 10 minutes—air fryers can vary wildly in temperature.
Trust me, these little tweaks take good wedges to absolutely addictive territory!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Oh, the possibilities! These crispy wedges are crazy versatile. My absolute favorite way? Dunk ’em in cool, creamy keto ranch dressing—the contrast of hot and cold is just *chef’s kiss*. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a quick sriracha mayo (just mix mayo with a squeeze of lime and sriracha to taste).
For a complete meal, pile them next to juicy grilled chicken or a perfectly seared steak. Toss them into salads for an extra crunch—they’re amazing on a bed of crisp romaine with blue cheese crumbles. Just don’t pair them with carb-heavy sides (looking at you, mashed potatoes) unless you want to ruin all that keto goodness!
Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges Variations
Don’t be afraid to play with flavors—that’s half the fun! When I’m craving heat, I swap paprika for cayenne (just a pinch—it packs a punch!). Turmeric gives gorgeous golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits. For extra crunch, try tossing the wedges with almond flour before air frying—it creates this amazing breadcrumb-like crust without the carbs. My neighbor swears by adding lemon zest for brightness, and honestly? She’s onto something!
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Here’s the good news – these wedges actually keep surprisingly well! I stash leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But here’s my secret for bringing back that perfect crisp: skip the microwave (it’ll make them soggy) and pop them straight back in the air fryer at 350°F for just 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as good as fresh – maybe even better because all those flavors have had time to mingle!
Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges Nutrition Info
Let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, these are the good kind! Based on eating 1/4 of the recipe (which is plenty filling!), you’re looking at about 90 calories with just 6g total carbs (3g fiber, so only 3g net carbs!). Plus you get 3g protein and 7g of healthy fats from that olive oil. Of course, these are estimates – your exact amounts might vary slightly depending on your cauliflower size and how much oil gets left in the bowl. But either way, it’s a snack you can feel great about!
FAQs About Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Oh honey, don’t do it! Frozen cauliflower holds way too much water – you’ll end up with soggy wedges instead of crispy perfection. Fresh is absolutely worth it here.
How to make these dairy-free? Easy-peasy! Just skip the Parmesan (they’re still crazy delicious without it). For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast – it gives that same umami kick!
Why are my wedges not crispy? Two likely culprits: overcrowding the basket (give them space!) or not preheating your air fryer. That initial blast of hot air is what gives you that golden crunch.
Can I meal prep these? Absolutely! Cook them fresh, then reheat in the air fryer when ready to eat. They’ll lose a little crisp if stored already cooked, but still taste amazing!
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Crispy Air Fryer Keto Cauliflower Wedges in Just 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Crispy, low-carb cauliflower wedges made in an air fryer. Perfect for a keto-friendly snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss cauliflower wedges with olive oil.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Arrange wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (optional) before serving.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower into even-sized wedges for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve with keto-friendly dip like ranch or blue cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American