Dou Dou (豆豆)
Crispy, golden cauliflower florets with just 5 ingredients and an air fryer. The easiest vegan side dish you’ll make this week — ready in 20 minutes.
只用5种食材和空气炸锅，就能做出香脆金黄的花椰菜。最简单的纯素配菜，20分钟搞定。
📹 Watch the Recipe
Recipe by 家常素 Irene Yong
🥘 Why This Recipe Works
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This air fryer cauliflower from Irene Yong proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or long ingredient lists to create something truly delicious. The air fryer works its magic — transforming humble cauliflower into crispy, golden florets with a tender interior, all with a fraction of the oil needed for deep frying.
The secret is in the seasoning: garlic powder and paprika create a savory, gently smoky crust, while a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley brighten everything at the end. Top it with vegan parmesan for an umami boost that makes this dish dangerously addictive.
5 ingredients, 20 minutes, one air fryer — the perfect side dish or healthy snack.
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient (食材) | Amount (用量) | Notes (备注) |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower (花椰菜) | 450g (1 head) | cut into florets |
| Garlic powder (蒜粉) | 1 tsp | |
| Paprika powder (红甜椒粉) | 1 tsp | |
| Black pepper (黑胡椒) | to taste | freshly ground |
| Salt (盐) | to taste | |
| Olive oil (橄榄油) | 1½ tbsp | |
| Fresh parsley (欧芹) | for garnish | chopped |
| Lemon juice (柠檬汁) | squeeze | fresh |
| Vegan parmesan (纯素帕玛森奶酪) | to taste | optional, for topping |
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
- Wash the cauliflower and cut into bite-sized florets
- Pat dry thoroughly — this helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispiness
Step 2: Season
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and olive oil
- Toss well until every floret is evenly coated
Step 3: Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F)
- Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning
- The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender inside
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer to a serving plate
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and vegan parmesan
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy
💡 Tips & Substitutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| No air fryer? | Roast in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Spread on a lined baking sheet in a single layer |
| Want it spicier? | Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the seasoning |
| No vegan parmesan? | Make your own: blend ½ cup cashews + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast + ½ tsp garlic powder + salt. Or simply omit |
| Cauliflower too soft? | Pat very dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — steam needs to escape |
| Want a sauce? | Serve with vegan aioli, sriracha mayo, or sweet chili sauce for dipping |
📊 Nutrition
Per serving (approx.): ~120 cal | 4g protein | 12g carbs | 7g fat | Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants — a nutrient-dense vegetable that supports overall health
🌱 Why This Dish
Air fryer cauliflower has become a global phenomenon — and for good reason. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates a crispy exterior that mimics deep frying without the oil, making it a favorite among health-conscious cooks everywhere. In the context of Chinese vegan cooking, this dish represents the beautiful fusion of Western cooking methods with plant-based eating principles.
Cauliflower (花椰菜 / 菜花) is widely used in Chinese cuisine — stir-fried with tomatoes, braised in soy sauce, or simply blanched. This air fryer version adds a new dimension to this versatile vegetable, proving that plant-based eating can be both healthy and incredibly satisfying. The addition of vegan parmesan and lemon gives it a Mediterranean twist, showing how vegan cooking knows no borders.
This recipe comes from 家常素 Irene Yong, a Malaysian-Chinese home cook who creates simple, everyday vegan dishes designed to help meat-eaters eat less meat and give vegans more delicious options.
