Crunchy Air-Fried Cauliflower Bites

In recent years, plant-based cuisine has gained immense popularity, offering a plethora of delicious and healthy options for both seasoned vegans and those simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diets. Among the many delightful dishes to emerge from this culinary movement, crispy air-fried cauliflower bites stand out as a versatile and satisfying choice. These bites are not only perfectly seasoned and coated to achieve a satisfying crunch, but they also serve as an enticing appetizer, a party snack, or a delightful side dish.

Discover the delicious world of crispy air-fried cauliflower bites—a healthy and versatile addition to your meal rotation! This guide walks you through the process of selecting ingredients, preparing flavorful batter, and air-frying to crispy perfection. Enjoy these bites as appetizers, party snacks, or sides, all while benefiting from the nutritional powerhouse that cauliflower is. With endless seasoning possibilities, you can create unique flavors that suit every palate. Dive into the recipe and impress your family and friends with this guilt-free treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking spray or olive oil for misting

Instructions

Prep Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower and cut it into uniform bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.

Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the buttermilk until a smooth batter forms. If using a plant-based milk, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar to simulate buttermilk.

Prepare Panko Coating: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. You can season the breadcrumbs with additional spices if desired, such as cayenne pepper for a kick.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Place the coated florets on a plate or tray.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

Air Fry the Cauliflower Bites: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cauliflower bites in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have space to crisp up. Mist the tops with more cooking spray or drizzle lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or a zesty garlic aioli.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings