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A bowl of crispy air-fried cauliflower with fresh herbs next to an air fryer.

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

A healthy twist on a classic comfort food, these crispy cauliflower bites are tossed in a zesty spice blend and air-fried to golden perfection. They make a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 (as an appetizer or side dish)

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower about 4 cups of bite-size florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
  • Optional Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
  • Prepare Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  • Season: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until evenly coated.
  • Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. (Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even crisping.)
  • Air Fry: Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (as an appetizer or side dish)
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American, Modern Healthy
  • Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
  • Keywords
  • Cauliflower, Air Fryer, Crispy, Healthy, Snack, Appetizer, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
  • Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
  • Serving Size: About 1 cup of cauliflower bites
  • Calories: ~120 kcal
  • Sugar: ~3 g
  • Sodium: ~250 mg
  • Fat: ~8 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12 g
  • Fiber: ~4 g
  • Protein: ~3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Notes

Extra Crisp: For an even crispier texture, consider lightly tossing the cauliflower with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch before adding the spices.
Adjust Heat: Increase the cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.
Batch Cooking: If making a larger quantity, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches will help achieve optimal crispiness.
Serving Ideas: Pair these bites with dipping sauces such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or a vegan garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Enjoy your healthy, delicious, and crunchy air-fried cauliflower bites!
Keyword Cauliflower, Air Fryer, Crispy, Healthy, Snack, Appetizer, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free