After making a batch of air fryer crispy cauliflower bites, it’s hard to not make it any other way. The hot circulating air frying method of making cauliflower crispy is amazing. These cauliflower bites come out crispy and delicious!

crispy air fryer cauliflower

How to Make Crispy Cauliflower Bites in Air Fryer

One bite and you’ll know why this is such a favorite recipe if you need a cauliflower side dish or snack. The breadcrumb coating on the cauliflower florets really make these bites crunchy and extraordinary. If you didn’t add breadcrumbs and just made regular air fryer cauliflower, the results would be charred. The outside of the cauliflower might be slightly crisp, but not crunchy because you need the breading. If you just want a healthy keto friendly and low carb version, make our simple air fryer cauliflower recipe.

board of air fryer crispy cauliflower

What Breadings to Use to Make Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower Bites?

There’s different options out there depending on what texture that you like. Here’s some ideas:

  • Italian style breadcrumbs are always popular and easy to find.
  • Japanese style Panko breadcrumbs are crispy and crunchy. It’s one of our favorites.
  • Keto crushed pork rinds are great for low carb diets and you get pork flavor on the cauliflower bites too.
  • Another keto friendly breading is using almond flour

Video: Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower Bites Recipe

Can you air fry frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s not ideal to use frozen cauliflower if you want it to be crispy. The frozen cauliflower florets release alot of moisture, which makes them more soggy. Regardless of how much breading you use, the florets won’t be crispy. But if the crispy texture isn’t a concern, then you can certainly use frozen.

crispy air fryer cauliflower

Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Cauliflower

Cooking times will vary depending on how big you cut the cauliflower florets and on your specific air fryer. Start on the lowest suggested time, then add more time if needed to your personal liking. One egg should be enough if you stir and soak the cauliflower in the egg at the bottom of the bowl. But if you feel like you need more, then use 2 large eggs.
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound (227 g) fresh cauliflower , cut into bite sized florets (about 2 cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt , or to taste
  • black pepper , preferably fresh ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder

Other Seasoning Options:

  • Lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, cajun spices, Montreal steak seasoning, taco seasoning, etc
  • 1 egg , beaten
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) breadcrumbs (regular or Japanese panko)
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) grated parmesan cheese

Optional Dips:

  • hot sauce, ranch, bbq sauce, etc.

Instructions 

  • Pre-heat air fryer at 360°F/182°C for about 5 minutes.
    Preheat Air Fryer
  • In large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (and/or with any other seasonings you want). Add the beaten egg and gently stir the cauliflower to coat with the egg.
    adding egg to cauliflower florets
  • In another medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan. Dip cauliflower florets in the breadcrumb mix and gently shake off excess coating.
    dipping cauliflower in egg then breadcrumbs
  • Lay all coated pieces of cauliflower on a plate. Spray all sides of the breaded cauliflower with oil spray. Dry breading might fly around in air fryer and burn, so make sure to coat any dry breading spots.
    spraying oil on cauliflower
  • Coat air fryer basket with light layer of oil using oil dipped cooking brush or oil spray (or line with a perforated silicone mat or parchment paper) and place cauliflower in a single layer in the basket/tray.
    raw cauliflower in air fryer basket
  • Air Fry at 360°F/182°C for 8 minutes. Gently flip and spray any dry spots with oil spray.
    halfway cooked cauliflower in air fryer
  • Continue to Air Fry at 360°F/182°C for additional 3-5 minutes or until they are crispy golden brown OR to your preferred texture. Serve warm with your favorite dip or sauce.
    crispy breaded cauliflower in basket

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 190kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 86mg, Sodium: 932mg, Potassium: 441mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 162IU, Vitamin C: 55mg, Calcium: 132mg, Iron: 2mg

Tips on Air Frying Cauliflower to be Crispy

  • When using fresh cauliflower, don’t cut the florets to be too large. Try to keep them to about 1? bite sized pieces. Keeping the florets to be evenly sized is what makes them cook all evenly and at the same time. So don’t have a small floret cook with a large floret. You’ll have one burnt and one end up being raw.
  • Don’t be bland. Season the cauliflower for best flavor. Don’t skimp on the salt and spices. Try lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, cajun spices, Montreal steak seasoning, taco seasoning, curry seasoning, or any of your favorite spices. You don’t want to have bland cauliflower bites.
  • Cook in batches if needed. Make sure to lay the cauliflower in a single layer during air frying. This will give best crispy texture evenly on all the bites.
  • Serve with your favorite dip! The possibilities are endless: hot sauce, bbq sauce, ranch, cheese dip, peanut sauce.
  • All air fryer crispy cauliflower bites recipe details are in the recipe box below.
board of air fried cauliflower

Easy Dips for Cauliflower

We love serving different dips for this cauliflower. It makes each bite more interesting. Check out of our favorite quick and easy dips: