These Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites are golden brown, crunchy, and packed with flavor! Lightly coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and air-fried, this easy appetizer is ready in just 30 minutes.
If you love crispy appetizers, you might also enjoy our Broccoli Cheese Patties or Fried Mozzarella Cheese Recipe.
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Cauliflower bites have become a go-to alternative to fried snacks, offering a satisfying crunch without excessive oil. Whether enjoyed as a healthier game-day treat or an easy side dish, they pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.
If you like veggie-based appetizers, try our Crispy Garlic Parmesan Green Beans or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy coating with minimal oil.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, panko, and spices.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with just a few simple steps.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Kids love these bites, and you can switch up the flavors to suit any occasion.
Crispy Cauliflower Bites Ingredients
- Cauliflower Florets: Bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: Gives these bites an ultra-crunchy texture. Have you tried our Panko Breaded Chicken or Skillet Fried Zucchini with Panko?
- Flour & Cornstarch: Helps the coating stick while adding extra crunch.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of cauliflower.
- Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle adds a rich, umami-packed finish.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Ensures even crisping in the air fryer.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Panko: Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar crunch.
- Diet: Make this dairy-free by omitting Parmesan or using nutritional yeast.
- Spice: Toss the bites in buffalo sauce after air frying.
- Method: Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
How To Make Crispy Cauliflower Bites
STEP ONE: Prep the Coating
Cut the cauliflower into even bite-sized florets.
Set up three bowls: one with a mixture of flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
STEP TWO: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, coat it in the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Let the coated cauliflower sit for about five minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
STEP THREE: Air Fry Until Golden Brown
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for at least five minutes. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through to ensure even crisping. Add an extra minute or two if needed.
STEP FOUR: Garnish and Serve
Once the cauliflower bites are crispy and golden brown, transfer them to a serving plate. Immediately sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Serve hot with a dipping sauce like spicy aioli, buffalo sauce, or a garlic yogurt dip for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
✔️ DO Let the coating set to help it stick better.
❌ DO NOT Overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
For the crispiest cauliflower bites, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Let the breaded cauliflower sit for five minutes before air frying to help the coating stick better. Spray the florets with a light layer of oil before cooking.
Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 425°F and place the breaded cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
These crispy bites go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Buffalo sauce adds heat, while ranch or blue cheese dressing balances it with creaminess. A honey mustard or spicy aioli works well for a sweet or smoky flavor.
More Cauliflower and Broccoli Dishes You'll Love ♥️
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, add 1 to 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each floret into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Coat it in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Press it into the panko mixture, ensuring an even coating. Use more panko for a thicker crust.
- Let coated cauliflower sit for 5 minutes before air frying.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through for even crisping. Add extra time if needed.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and chopped parsley over the hot cauliflower bites. Serve with a dipping sauce like spicy aioli (mayo + sriracha + lemon juice) or a garlic yogurt dip.
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Notes
Reheat Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Substitutions
- Panko: Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a similar crunch.
Shanna says
I love Cauliflower and these are the perfect recipe! Delicious 😋
Jami Powell says
Our family loves this healthy snack idea!