Description
Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer! Perfectly seasoned cauliflower florets are coated with breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Pair with dips like herby yogurt, ranch, or Buffalo sauce for a versatile, healthy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 large eggs (or flaxseed slurry for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- For herby yogurt dip:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and pat the cauliflower florets dry.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Coat the Florets: Dip each floret into the egg mixture (or vegan alternative), then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack.
- Bake or Air-Fry: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy. For air fryer, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Optional Sauce Toss: For Buffalo-style bites, toss baked florets in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce, then bake for 5 more minutes.
- Prepare Dip: Mix yogurt, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Enjoy the cauliflower bites hot with your favorite dip!
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed slurry or chickpea flour batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne or more hot sauce.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking or Air-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup of cauliflower bites with dip
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites, baked cauliflower, healthy appetizers, vegetarian snacks, Buffalo cauliflower bites, air-fried cauliflower