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Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating on the outside, yet tender and light inside. They are bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy! It’s true. One dish can have everything you need, and these air fryer cauliflower nuggets prove it. Instead of choosing to eat French fries, chips, or another greasy side, make air fryer breaded cauliflower for a healthy alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste. They literally check every box when it comes to a healthy snack or side.

Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating outside, yet tender and light inside. They are bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

The balanced seasoning. Now, I love a good bite of cauliflower — even when it’s only been baked with olive oil, salt, and pepper. But these air fryer cauliflower bites are even better, thanks to a seasoning blend that adds garlic, paprika, and cumin to the mix!
The crispy breading. These air fryer cauliflower nuggets are coated in a thin layer of egg and panko breadcrumbs before being baked in the air fryer. Although this step isn’t mandatory, you shouldn’t skip it if you want to enjoy the crisp, air-fried texture the breading gives these cauliflower bites.
The fact that this snack is actually healthy. When it comes to “healthy” alternatives to fried foods, most of the options don’t stand up to the task (I’m looking at you, carrot sticks). But this air fryer breaded cauliflower has it all — they are good enough to compete with French fries, and they’re way healthier.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make these delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

cauliflower florets
vegetable oil - feel free to use your favorite vegetable oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil.
garlic powder
paprika
ground cumin
salt and pepper
eggs - for coating on the cauliflower to allow the breadcrumbs to stick on.
Panko breadcrumbs - I like the extra crispy texture of Panko breadcrumbs, but you can feel free to substitute with regular breadcrumbs
cooking oil spray

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and an air fryer.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Season the cauliflower. In a large mixing bowl or Ziploc bag, add cauliflower, oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.

Coat the cauliflower. Use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs in a small bowl. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another small bowl. Dip the cauliflower florets in the egg and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. You can gently press crumbs into the cauliflower to adhere as much as possible.
Air fry. Transfer the breaded cauliflower to the air fryer basket and evenly spray with cooking oil spray. Cook at 375F for 15 minutes until tender and the crust turns golden brown.
Serve. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to store: Before storing these air fryer cauliflower bites, make sure they cool completely. Warm bites will create condensation in the fridge, and that condensation will make your cauliflower bites soggy. Once cooled, store air fryer cauliflower nuggets in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
How to reheat: To reheat cold air fryer cauliflower bites, use your air fryer! Heat them for 2-4 minutes at 375F until warm and crispy.
How to serve: Air fryer cauliflower bites make a perfect snack on their own (and if you eat enough, you can just call it lunch!). I recommend serving with your favorite sauces, including: ketchup, barbecue, siracha aioli, or buffalo sauce.

More Cauliflower Recipes

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