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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (choose between panko or regular) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth - 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for spraying) If you need to avoid gluten, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This will keep your snack tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. If you prefer a vegan option, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. This will help bind the coating without using eggs. Feel free to personalize your cauliflower bites! You can add other spices to the flour mix, like cumin or chili powder, for more flavor. If you love herbs, try mixing in dried oregano or thyme. For a cheesy touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs. These options let you create your perfect crispy bites! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This is key for getting that crispy texture you want. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk them well. This mix adds great flavor to the bites. In another bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the cauliflower. Now, take a third bowl and add the breadcrumbs. You can use panko or regular, based on your taste. Grab a cauliflower floret. First, dip it into the flour mix. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the floret into the beaten eggs. Let any excess egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the floret in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to get a nice, even coating. Repeat this for all florets. Before adding the bites, spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Arrange the cauliflower bites in a single layer. Don't overcrowd them; you can cook in batches if needed. Once arranged, lightly spray the tops with more olive oil. Cook for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to cook evenly. The bites should turn golden brown and crispy. After cooking, remove the cauliflower bites and place them on a wire rack. Let them cool for a few minutes. This keeps them crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy aioli, or tahini. For added flair, garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get your cauliflower bites super crispy, follow these tips. First, make sure you preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step locks in heat and helps the bites crisp up. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. They are lighter and provide better crispness than regular breadcrumbs. Also, lightly spray the tops of the bites with olive oil before cooking. This helps achieve golden brown perfection. No one likes soggy bites! Here’s how to avoid that. Ensure the cauliflower florets are dry before coating. Excess moisture will lead to sogginess. Also, do not crowd the air fryer basket. Give each floret space to breathe and cook evenly. If you have many bites, cook in batches. Lastly, let them cool on a wire rack. This keeps air flowing around the bites, preventing steam from making them soggy. You’ll need a few tools to make this recipe easier. A large mixing bowl helps combine the flour and spices well. Use a whisk to blend them smoothly. For the egg wash, have another small bowl ready. A third bowl is needed for the breadcrumbs. You’ll also want a pair of tongs to handle the cauliflower bites without making a mess. Lastly, a spray bottle for olive oil is handy. It allows you to coat the bites evenly without overdoing it. Pro Tips Choose the Right Flour: Using all-purpose flour gives a great texture, but for a gluten-free option, almond or chickpea flour can enhance the flavor while keeping it crispy. Don't Skimp on the Olive Oil: A light spray of olive oil before air frying helps achieve that golden-brown color and crispy texture. It’s essential for the best results. Batch Cooking: To avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, cook the cauliflower bites in batches. This ensures that every floret gets evenly crispy. Let Them Cool: After cooking, allow the cauliflower bites to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps maintain their crispiness and prevents sogginess. {{image_4}} You can easily make these cauliflower bites gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands offer great options that work well. Also, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy texture without gluten. Want to spice things up? You can adjust the flavor of your bites. - For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper. - Try adding chili powder for a different heat. - Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. - You can even toss in some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. These tweaks make your bites more exciting and cater to your taste. If you prefer a vegan option, you can skip the eggs. Use a plant-based egg replacer instead. Options like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water work great. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This way, you still get that lovely crunch. Enjoy a tasty snack that fits your diet! To keep your leftover cauliflower bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. When you're ready to enjoy your cauliflower bites again, reheating is easy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites in a single layer and heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives their crispiness. You can also use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) if you prefer. You can freeze these bites for longer storage. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw. Just air fry them directly from the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. Crispy air fryer cauliflower bites last for about 3-4 days when stored in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes brings back their crispiness. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe. Just thaw it and pat it dry before coating. This step helps the batter stick better and keeps the bites crispy. I love pairing these bites with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or tahini sauce. You can also try a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh kick. Experiment with your favorite sauces to find the perfect match. To make cauliflower bites without eggs, use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Use this as your egg substitute for coating the cauliflower. In this post, I shared how to make tasty air fryer cauliflower bites. I covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned about variations and storage methods too. These bites are easy to prepare and fun to customize. Get creative with flavors and enjoy them fresh or stored. With this guide, you’re ready to make your own crispy cauliflower bites. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Deliciously crispy cauliflower bites made in an air fryer, perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (choose between panko or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for spraying)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
  • Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together thoroughly.
  • Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are well blended. Set this bowl aside.
  • Set Up the Breadcrumb Station: In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
  • Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Take each cauliflower floret and first dip it into the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
  • After the flour coating, dip the floret into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off.
  • Now, roll the floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it is evenly coated.
  • Repeat the coating process for all cauliflower florets until they are well covered in breadcrumbs.
  • Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the cauliflower bites in a single layer.
  • Air Fry the Bites: Lightly spray the tops of the cauliflower bites with more olive oil. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, cauliflower, healthy, snack