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.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 12-15 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 20 to 25 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 5-6 bites
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Parmesan Cauliflower Bites, healthy snack, gluten-free appetizer, cheesy cauliflower snacks, low-carb snacks, vegetable bites, air fryer snacks, baked cauliflower