Epic Crispy Cauliflower Bites: Gluten Free & Quick

Crispy cauliflower bites have quickly become my new way to eat cauliflower! They’re gluten free, easy, crunchy, and SO flavorful. You only need 5 ingredients, 10 minutes, and an air fryer to make these absolutely irresistible crunchy cauliflower bites.

Cauliflower has always been one of my favorite vegetables . I love it raw, air fried, as a pizza crust, riced, basically any way you can eat it, I enjoy it. But now, these crispy cauliflower bites may just be my absolute FAVORITE way to eat it. (like, I basically ate the entire head) The recipe is simple, made with minimal ingredients, and tastes incredible, which is just the way I like recipes.

Crispy breaded cauliflower makes a perfect appetizer, healthy afternoon snack, or even a fun side to a rotisserie chicken or pork roast. This easy recipe is gluten free, cooks in just 10 minutes, only needs 5 ingredients, and makes eating vegetables fun! I mean, who doesn’t love a little bite of crispy, crunchy goodness? So next time you’re looking for a healthy, easy vegetable that the whole family will enjoy, whip up a batch of crispy cauliflower bites and watch them completely disappear.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• A great way to get your family to eat vegetables
• Makes a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack
• Super flavorful, gluten free, crispy coating
• Cooks in just 10 minutes
• Only 5 ingredients needed

INGREDIENTS FOR CRISPY CAULIFLOWER BITES

• Cauliflower: You can buy a whole head and cut it into florets or buy the pre-cut cauliflower
• Tapioca starch: This acts as the binder so the crispy coating sticks to the cauliflower. Arrowroot or cornstarch will also work
• Panko: I use gluten free panko bread crumbs but you can use regular Panko if you need to
• Parmesan cheese: Make sure it’s grated parmesan, shredded is too big
• Cajun seasoning: You can use store-bought or make your own

HOW TO AIR FRY CRISPY CAULIFLOWER BITES

1. Cut the cauliflower head into small florets (about 1 inch)
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set up your breading station.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tapioca starch and water. Set that aside, and in another small bowl combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning
4. Dip the cauliflower florets one at a time into the tapioca/ water mixture, coat in the panko mixture, (make sure they’re fully coated), then place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat the breading process with the remaining florets
5. Next, you’re going to place the first batch of coated cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Spray them generously with olive oil spray and cook at 400 degrees f for 8-10 minutes. They should look golden brown and feel crispy when touched.
6. Use tongs to a flat rubber spatula to remove the first batch, and repeat the cooking process with the second batch of cauliflower.
7. Once all the bites are cooked, serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

HOMEMADE CAJUN SEASONING

You only need a few ingredients to make homemade Cajun seasoning! It’s quick, easy, and can be more cost effective in the long run. Here’s what you need:

• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Get the full recipe here!

MORE SEASONING IDEAS

If you’re not into Cajun seasoning, you can replace it with an equal amount of one of these.

• Italian seasonings
• Chili lime
• Elote seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Or just do 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss when cooked in one of your favorite sauces

SAUCE SUGGESTIONS

• Buffalo sauce (buffalo cauliflower bites are top tier)
• Avocado ranch dip
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Lemon garlic tahini

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE CRISPIEST CAULIFLOWER BITES

• Read the entire recipe first
• Cut the cauliflower into equal size pieces
• Make sure the pieces of cauliflower are fully coated in the tapioca mixture so the panko crumbs stick
• When in the air fryer, liberally spray each bite with cooking spray so that they get super crispy
• Air fry until they turn golden brown and feel crunchy when touched

STORING AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS

You can store any leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just place in the air fryer basket, coat with a light amount of olive oil cooking spray, and reheat at 380 degrees f for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

1. Why is my cauliflower not crispy? If it’s not crispy, my best guess would be that you didn’t spray the pieces with enough oil. You may think with an air fryer that you don’t need a lot of oil, and while it is A LOT less than deep frying, the breading still needs a good amount in the air fryer so it gets golden brown and not just dry.
2. Is crispy cauliflower good for you? I would say yes, because you’re getting a veggie in, and there’s a lot less oil needed because they’re made in the air fryer.
3. Can I make this vegan? I can’t guarantee anything, but you should be able to swap the parmesan with vegan parmesan without any problems.
4. What kind of air fryer should I use? My favorite is a Cosori 5.8, but any air fryer with a basket should work just fine.

Did you make these easy crispy cauliflower bites? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, you can follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make any of my healthy recipes.

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