Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Introduction
Discover a healthier way to enjoy crispy, flavorful cauliflower bites with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these golden breaded cauliflower pieces offer a satisfying crunch without the extra oil from traditional frying.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare three bowls: one with flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika and garlic powder.
- Step 2: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Arrange the breaded florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle a little oil if desired for extra crispiness.
- Step 4: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Try different spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to customize the taste.
- Serve with ranch, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best for crispy bites. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before breading to prevent sogginess.
How can I make these bites spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
PrintAir Fryer Crispy Breaded Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Delicious and healthy Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Cauliflower Bites, featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air fried to perfection for a crunchy, guilt-free snack or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Set up breading stations: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the flour, coating evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs well.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air fry the florets: Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap to allow even crisping. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides become golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, remove the cauliflower bites carefully and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Adjust spices in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste preferences—try adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for herbal notes.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Keywords: cauliflower bites, air fryer cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snacks
