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Vegan Spiced Cauliflower Tacos

Vegan Spiced Cauliflower Tacos (Air-Fryer Crunch

Crispy, spiced cauliflower tucked into warm tortillas — crunchy, a little smoky, and totally vegan. Spiced Cauliflower Tacos make weeknight dinners feel like a fiesta, and your air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. Ready?
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas use gluten-free if you need
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage green or red
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup crumbled vegan cheese use a good melty one
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Bold tip: Use vegan cheese not dairy to keep this recipe 100% plant-based

Equipment

  • Air fryer (or a very hot oven on a sheet pan)
  • Mixing bowl and spoon/tongs
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Skillet (optional, to warm tortillas)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Toss cauliflower florets in a bowl with 2 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Coat everything well.
  3. Place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until the edges turn crispy and brown. Cook in batches if your air fryer gets crowded — more space = more crunch.
  4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 15–20 seconds so they fold without cracking.
  5. Assemble tacos: add a handful of shredded cabbage, 3–4 pieces of cauliflower, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  6. Serve immediately and watch everyone fight over the last taco. (Not that I encourage taco wars… but they happen.)

Notes

Nutrition (approximate per serving — 2 tacos)

  • Calories: ~280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated ~3 g, Unsaturated ~10 g)
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg (vegan)

Tips to get extra-crispy cauliflower

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket — crowding steams instead of crisps.
  • Dry the florets well after washing for better browning.
  • Give them space and shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
  • Cook in batches if needed — it takes longer, but you’ll thank me for the crunch.