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