These Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites (breaded) have tender cauliflower underneath a crunchy breadcrumb coating seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and paprika. I like the addition of soy sauce in the egg mixture because it brings another layer of savory flavor to the breading without making the recipe complicated.
The cauliflower only needs 18 minutes in the air fryer, so this works well when I want something crispy without frying it in lots of oil and a a side for main dishes. If you enjoy veggies crispy like this, try this Air Fryer Broccoli recipe next. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how I get the breading to stick and cook these bites until crispy edges form.
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Video Tutorial
Try These Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
If you usually find cooking cauliflower a little boring on its own, the seasoned breadcrumb coating makes a big difference in this air fryer cauliflower recipe. The outside gets golden and crisp while the cauliflower stays tender underneath.
I especially like the garlic, ginger, turmeric, and paprika together. The soy sauce adds that savory flavor I want with air fryer breaded cauliflower, and the crisp coating makes these easy to eat as a snack, easy side dish, or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy coating: Breadcrumbs give each cauliflower bite a crunchy outside.
- Tender center: The cauliflower cooks inside the breading while the exterior becomes golden and crisp, and there's no need to wait for the oven.
- Plenty of seasoning: Garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, and paprika give the coating plenty of flavor.
- Easy air fryer method: The bites cook for 18 minutes with just one flip halfway through.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: I like cutting the head into similar bite-sized florets like you would do for cauliflower soup, so everything cooks at roughly the same rate. Smaller and evenly sized pieces also make these much easier to coat.
- Egg: This is what helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the cauliflower. I let the excess drip away before moving each floret into the breadcrumbs so the coating doesn’t become too wet.
- Breadcrumbs: One cup gives these bites their crispy coating, no olive oil needed. I press them gently onto each piece rather than just giving the cauliflower a quick roll through the crumbs.
- Soy sauce: This gets whisked into the egg instead of the breadcrumb mixture. I like the extra savory flavor it adds underneath all those spices.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Remove the leaves and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, making sure to remove the tough stem.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add the soy sauce and whisk until well combined.
3. In another small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, making sure to let any excess egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb seasoning blend mixture, applying gentle pressure so that the breadcrumbs stick well to the cauliflower. Use a teaspoon to cover the top, roll again, and repeat this process for all the florets.
5. Place the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer with little space between them in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
6. Air fry cauliflower bites at 380°F (195°C) for 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a crispy texture. Flip the florets halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
7. Once cooked, remove the crispy cauliflower bites from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and transfer them to a serving platter.
8. Serve the Asian-Style Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites as an appetizer or a snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or served as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the cauliflower into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly.
- Let excess egg drip off before adding the breadcrumb coating.
- Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the cauliflower to help them stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches when necessary.
- Flip or shake the cauliflower halfway through so the breading browns evenly.
- You can store leftover cauliflower in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Place cauliflower in your air fryer to reheat (350˚ for about 3 minutes) for the best way to crisp them back up. Microwaving will certainly work as well, but they'll soften a bit and won't be as crispy.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha mayo
- Fresh salad
- Tacos or wraps
- A drizzle of Parmesan cheese on top
- Additional vegetables and meat
FAQs
Cook them at 380°F (195°C) for 18 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through so they brown evenly.f
Dip each floret into the egg and soy sauce mixture first, let the excess drip away, then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs while pressing gently.
Yes. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs
Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 large egg (or 2 small eggs)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring to remove the tough stem.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the soy sauce and whisk until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, making sure to let any excess egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the cauliflower. Repeat this process for all the florets.
- Place the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the cauliflower bites at 380°F (195°C) for 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the florets halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve the Asian-Style Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites as an appetizer or a snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites!
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 18 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time.Taste & Texture
Tender cauliflower inside with a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating and savory garlic, ginger, turmeric, paprika, and soy sauce flavors.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat refrigerated bites in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. Frozen bites can be baked at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and crispy.
Serving Recommendations
- I’d serve these hot with sweet chili sauce or Sriracha mayo for dipping.
- For something more filling, add them to a fresh salad or use them inside tacos or wraps.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the cauliflower for broccoli florets.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Add cumin, coriander, or cilantro to change the seasoning.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Replace the egg with a flax egg or another vegan egg substitute.
Proper Storage Tips
- Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated.
- Use within 3 days.
Pro Tips
- Keep the cauliflower florets similar in size for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Shake or flip the bites halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Video
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