Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites (Air Fryer Friendly)

These Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are the perfect guilt-free snack or side dish. With a golden, crispy crust and a savory, cheesy flavor, they’re made lighter and healthier by cooking them in the air fryer. These bites are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutrients from cauliflower and a satisfying crunch from the crispy Parmesan coating. Here’s how to make this delicious and crispy dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray for lighter use)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Blanch the cauliflower (optional but recommended): Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly. This step helps soften the cauliflower and ensures a tender inside when you bake or fry them.

Step 2: Make the Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
2. Then, dip the egg-coated cauliflower into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the florets.
3. Place the coated cauliflower bites onto a plate or tray, ready to cook.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the cauliflower florets.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once crispy, remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color (optional).
3. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a tangy sriracha mayo.

Tips and Variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
• Cheese Variation: You can mix in some mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
• Make it Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute.

Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, crunchy snack with a cheesy twist. Made in the air fryer, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all while being healthier than traditional fried snacks. Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, and enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s full of flavor!