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Parmesan Cauliflower Bites

Parmesan Cauliflower Bites

Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, cheesy, and wholesome snack that combines tender cauliflower florets coated in a golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and flavorful appetizer or snack, these bites are easy to prepare, customizable, and suitable for gluten-free diets with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for non-gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing and crisping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into evenly sized, bite-sized florets for uniform cooking. Thoroughly pat them dry to help the coating adhere better and prevent sogginess.
  2. Set Up the Coating Station: In one bowl, beat the egg until smooth. In another bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, gluten-free breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the crispy coating mixture.
  3. Coat the Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll the floret in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully and evenly coated.
  4. Arrange and Prepare to Cook: Place the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a lightly greased air fryer basket. Lightly spray or brush the florets with olive oil to enhance browning and achieve a crispy texture.
  5. Bake or Air Fry: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning the bites halfway through cooking. Cook until they are golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving immediately to enjoy the best crunchy texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry your cauliflower well to avoid soggy bites.
  • Use evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Don’t skip the olive oil spray or brushing for perfect crispness.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan crisps better than pre-grated cheese.
  • Flip the bites halfway during cooking for even browning.
  • Serve immediately for best texture—crispy and delicious right out of the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan Cauliflower Bites, healthy snack, gluten-free appetizer, cheesy cauliflower snacks, low-carb snacks, vegetable bites, air fryer snacks, baked cauliflower