Air Fryer Crispy BBQ Cauliflower Bites
Make crispy, saucy barbecue cauliflower bites using your air fryer. This recipe focuses on a simple coating to achieve a crunchy exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Total Time: 33 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (oil-based)
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. Moisture prevents crisping.
- Set up the dredging station: Place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each floret first into the egg, letting excess drip off. Then, press the floret firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the coated florets with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the florets and spray the other side lightly. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower finishes cooking, warm the BBQ sauce slightly in a small saucepan or microwave if desired.
- Transfer the hot, crispy cauliflower bites to a large bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the bites and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust the florets with cornstarch before dipping them in the egg.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce coating, toss the bites in half the sauce after they come out of the air fryer, let them sit for two minutes, and then toss with the remaining sauce.
- If you want a spicier flavor, mix a dash of cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 45
