Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Cauliflower Bites - My Best Air Fryer Recipes (2024)

ByAylaCluleeFebruary 17, 2024February 17, 2024

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

These fantastic Air Fryer Breaded Cauliflower Bites are crispy on the outside and delightfully tender on the inside!

They’re ideal as a veggie side dish or a savory snack, and incredibly easy to prepare in under half an hour.

I’m a big fan of cauliflower and have several cauliflower recipes on my other blog, where I love sharing delicious every day recipes.

Some of my favorites include Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Risotto, Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Celeriac, and Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole.

And these super crispy air fryer breaded cauliflower bites have now become our new favorite way to enjoy this healthy veggie!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cauliflower –When buying cauliflower, opt for firm heads with a creamy white color and no signs of browning. The florets should be crisp, and the outer leaves fresh without any yellowing or wilting. Cut the cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets for crispy outside and tender inside cauliflower bites.

• Breadcrumbs – I like using panko breadcrumbs for breading because they’re made from white bread without the crust and have a larger grain than regular breadcrumbs. They become light and crispy, turning golden brown perfectly in the air fryer. But you can use any breadcrumbs you have on hand.

• Egg – It helps the breadcrumbs stick to cauliflower florets.

• Seasoning – I like to use smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt for seasoning, but feel free to use your own spice mix.

• Olive oil – I use my favorite cooking olive oil to add richness and help the cauliflower crisp up.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites?

Making these crispy and so-delicious air-fried cauliflower bites is a straightforward process.

However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

In a small bowl, mix together the beaten egg, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl.

Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.

Place the breaded cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Drizzle the olive oil over the breaded cauliflower.

Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

Serve as a delicious snack or a side dish with your favorite dip and enjoy while still warm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Air frying cauliflower requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative.

• The circulating hot air in the air fryer helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the cauliflower tender inside.

• Air frying is a quick and convenient cooking method, requiring less time and effort compared to oven-roasting or frying.

• You can serve crispy air fryer cauliflower as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or even as a healthy snack.

• They’re a fun and delicious way to get kids to eat more veggies.

• There’s hardly any mess, and cleaning up is a breeze.

Expert Tips From the Chef

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cauliflower for even cooking and crispiness.

• Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure all pieces cook at the same rate.

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Cook the cauliflower in batches if needed to prevent steaming and ensure crispiness.

• Lightly coat the cauliflower florets with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up and develop a golden brown exterior.

• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides of the cauliflower.
• For the best texture and flavor, serve the breaded air fryer cauliflower bites immediately after cooking.

What Goes Well with Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites?

Serve your cauliflower bites with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip), or Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce).

Add some protein to your meal by serving the cauliflower bites with Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer, Air Fryer Meatballs (Lamb or Beef), Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, or Air Fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms.

Roasted vegetables such as Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips, Easy Asparagus in Air Fryer, Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, or Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries complement the flavors and textures of the cauliflower bites.

Storing and Reheating the Leftovers

Allow the cauliflower bites to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat the leftovers, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Place the cauliflower bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

You can also reheat the cauliflower bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through

Recipe FAQs