Go Back
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole grain or panko recommended for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients come together for a tasty snack. The cauliflower provides a nice crunch. The Parmesan cheese adds a savory, rich flavor. Breadcrumbs give the bites a crispy texture. Olive oil ensures they cook perfectly in the air fryer. The spices bring warmth and depth. You can adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. When choosing your ingredients, use fresh cauliflower for the best results. Grating the Parmesan cheese fresh makes a big difference in flavor. Whole grain breadcrumbs add a nice texture. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy bites. Preheating helps cook the cauliflower evenly and gives it a nice crunch. In a large bowl, mix together these ingredients: - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper Stir everything well. You want all the flavors to blend together. In a separate bowl, add the cauliflower florets. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over them. Toss well to coat each piece. This oil helps the breading stick and makes them crispy. Next, take a handful of the oiled florets. Dip them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly for good coverage. Place the coated florets on a plate. Repeat until all pieces are breaded. Arrange the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp them nicely. Cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden and crispy when done. Once they are cooked, carefully remove the bites from the air fryer. If you made a big batch, repeat the cooking process as needed. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the bites warm with a bowl of marinara or aioli for dipping. Enjoy your crispy delight! To get your cauliflower bites nice and crispy, follow these steps: - Coat Well: Make sure each floret is covered in oil. This helps the breading stick. - Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs. - Press Down: When breading, press the mixture onto the cauliflower. It helps the coating stay on during cooking. Using your air fryer right can make a big difference. Here’s how to get the best results: - Don’t Overcrowd: Place the cauliflower in a single layer. This ensures hot air circulates well. - Shake Midway: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket. This helps with even browning. - Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer. This sets the stage for crispy bites. Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas: - Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for flavor. - Cheese Swap: Try cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. - Add Nuts: Mixing in some crushed nuts gives extra crunch and flavor. These tips will help you create tasty, crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Bites every time! {{image_4}} You can switch out the Parmesan for other cheeses. Here are some great options: - Cheddar: It adds a sharp flavor. - Mozzarella: This cheese melts nicely and gives a gooey texture. - Feta: Crumbled feta brings a tangy taste. - Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, use this. Each cheese brings its own taste to the bites, so feel free to experiment! Just remember, some cheeses melt differently, which can change the texture. To make these bites dairy-free, you can easily adjust the recipe. Swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese. Here’s how to do it: - Replace Parmesan with 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast. - Use vegan breadcrumbs to keep everything plant-based. - Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil to keep it moist. This way, you still get a tasty crunch without any dairy! Want to mix things up? Try these unique seasoning blends to change the flavor: - Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder for heat. - Herb Blend: Mix in dried oregano and thyme for a fresh taste. - Asian Twist: Use sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds and soy sauce. Each blend gives the bites a new and exciting flavor. Don't hesitate to get creative with your spices! To keep your cauliflower bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the bites within two hours of cooking. This keeps them from getting soggy. Use paper towels to absorb moisture before sealing. This method helps maintain their crunch. For the best crunch when reheating, use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower bites in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. Check often to avoid burning. This method revives their crispiness, making them just as tasty as when fresh. If you want to freeze the bites, do it before cooking. Arrange the breaded cauliflower on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, air fry as usual for a delightful snack or side. Cooking cauliflower in the air fryer usually takes 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The time can change based on the size of the florets. Smaller florets cook faster, while larger ones need more time. For perfectly crispy bites, always shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. Pat it dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This step is key for crispiness. If you skip it, your bites may turn out soggy. Follow the same coating and cooking steps as fresh florets. Cauliflower bites taste great with many dips. Here are some tasty options: - Marinara sauce for a classic touch - Garlic aioli for a creamy finish - Ranch dressing for a cool flavor - Spicy sriracha for a kick - Honey mustard for a sweet twist Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite pairing! You learned how to make tasty air fryer cauliflower bites. We covered key ingredients, including cauliflower, cheese, and spices. I shared steps for preparing and cooking your bites for maximum crunch. Tips on storing and reheating help keep them fresh. Remember, variations add fun! Try different cheeses or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful bites, and share them with friends. They will love your cooking!

Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Bites

Get ready to indulge in Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Bites, the perfect guilt-free snack! With a delicious blend of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and savory spices, these bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. They're easy to make in just 25 minutes and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties or as a healthy appetizer, click through to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

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

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole grain or panko recommended for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your cauliflower bites.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

      In a separate bowl, add the cauliflower florets and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss the florets well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with oil, which will help with crisping.

        Begin the breading process: take a handful of the oiled cauliflower florets and dip them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all florets are breaded.

          Arrange the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them for optimal crisping.

            Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even browning, until the cauliflower is perfectly golden and crispy.

              Once they have finished cooking, carefully remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer and set them aside. If you are working with a large batch, repeat the cooking process as necessary.

                For serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy these tasty bites immediately while they're still warm and crisp.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these delicious cauliflower bites on a vibrant platter with a small bowl of marinara or aioli for dipping, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor experience!