I stumbled upon this Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots recipe when I had an extra head of cauliflower sitting in my fridge that needed to be used immediately. It turns out that turning this humble vegetable into crispy, cheesy bites is the absolute best way to enjoy it.
The texture is surprisingly satisfying with a golden exterior that gives way to a soft and savory center. I find myself making these constantly because they feel like a treat but are packed with wholesome ingredients.
What Makes This Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots So Special
You get all the satisfying crunch of a traditional potato snack without the heaviness that comes from deep frying. This recipe allows you to enjoy a comforting appetizer that feels much lighter on the stomach.
The combination of salty parmesan cheese and garlic powder gives every single bite a punch of savory flavor. I love that this Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots dish comes together with just a handful of simple pantry staples.
Using the air fryer ensures that these little nuggets crisp up evenly in just a few minutes. It is a fantastic method for getting that perfect golden brown color without needing cups of oil.
If you are looking for more comforting fall flavors, you should definitely try my Ultimate Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Pepitas for a rich dinner option. I also highly recommend serving these tots as a starter before digging into The Best Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe for a complete feast.
Everything You Need for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
Here are the simple ingredients required to make this recipe:
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps bind the tots together.
- Breadcrumbs: Use fine breadcrumbs to absorb moisture and create the perfect texture.
- Cauliflower Head: You will need a large head cut into small florets to create the base.
- Large Egg: This acts as a binder to keep the tots from falling apart while cooking.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory background note that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Kosher Salt: enhances all the other flavors in the mixture.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness for serving.
My Method for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
Let’s get cooking!
- Start by placing your cauliflower florets in a large pot with just about an inch of water at the bottom. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the cauliflower over medium heat until it is fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes. You want the vegetable to be soft enough to process but not completely falling apart or waterlogged.
- Drain the water completely from the pot and transfer the cooked cauliflower into a food processor. Pulse the machine several times until the cauliflower is broken down into small, rice-sized pieces. Be careful not to over-process it into a puree, as you still want some texture for the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots.
- Transfer the riced cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist it tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is absolutely critical because excess water will prevent the tots from crisping up properly. You should be left with a dry, compact ball of cauliflower pulp.
- Place the dried cauliflower into a large mixing bowl and add the parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together easily when you press it between your fingers.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and press it firmly into a small ball before shaping it into a classic cylinder or oval tot shape. Continue this process with the remaining mixture until all your tots are formed. If the mixture feels too loose, you can let it sit for a few minutes to let the breadcrumbs absorb more moisture.
- Preheat your air fryer if necessary and spray the basket liberally with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots in a single layer with a little space between each one for air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
My Best Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
The most important secret to this recipe is removing as much water as possible from the steamed cauliflower. If you skip this step or do not squeeze hard enough, your Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots will turn out mushy instead of crisp.
I always recommend steaming the florets rather than boiling them fully submerged in water. Steaming introduces less liquid into the vegetable from the start, which makes the drying process much easier later on.
Make sure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking these delicate bites. Leaving space between each Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots piece ensures the hot air circulates fully for an even crunch.
Serving Your Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
These crispy bites are best served immediately while they are still hot and crunchy from the fryer. I love pairing this Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots recipe with a variety of dipping sauces like spicy mayo or homemade ranch.
They also make a fantastic side dish for burgers or grilled sandwiches when you want something lighter than fries. You can even sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top right before serving for a beautiful presentation.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
- Total Time: 42 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots transform fresh veggies into a golden and cheesy snack. They are easy to make and perfect for a light weeknight side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cauliflower head cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Start by placing your cauliflower florets in a large pot with just about an inch of water at the bottom. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the cauliflower over medium heat until it is fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes. You want the vegetable to be soft enough to process but not completely falling apart or waterlogged.
- Drain the water completely from the pot and transfer the cooked cauliflower into a food processor. Pulse the machine several times until the cauliflower is broken down into small, rice-sized pieces. Be careful not to over-process it into a puree, as you still want some texture for the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots.
- Transfer the riced cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist it tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is absolutely critical because excess water will prevent the tots from crisping up properly. You should be left with a dry, compact ball of cauliflower pulp.
- Place the dried cauliflower into a large mixing bowl and add the parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should hold together easily when you press it between your fingers.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and press it firmly into a small ball before shaping it into a classic cylinder or oval tot shape. Continue this process with the remaining mixture until all your tots are formed. If the mixture feels too loose, you can let it sit for a few minutes to let the breadcrumbs absorb more moisture.
- Preheat your air fryer if necessary and spray the basket liberally with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots in a single layer with a little space between each one for air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
Ensure you squeeze the cauliflower very well, or the tots may fall apart.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cooling Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 22 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1088mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots, cauliflower tots recipe, healthy appetizer, low carb side dish, vegetarian snack