Transform your cauliflower into a delicious and healthy snack with these air fryer cauliflower tots. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a side dish, these tots are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet while still enjoying a tasty treat.
If you don't usually have cauliflower or breadcrumbs at home, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Cauliflower is the star of this recipe, providing a nutritious base. Breadcrumbs help bind the tots together and give them a nice texture. Make sure to get fresh cauliflower and good quality breadcrumbs for the best results.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Cauliflower: The main ingredient, providing a healthy and flavorful base for the tots.
Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the tots and give them a crispy texture.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the tots.
Parmesan cheese: Enhances the flavor with a sharp, salty taste.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Provides a mild onion taste.
Technique Tip for Cauliflower Tots
When steaming the cauliflower, make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help the tots hold their shape better and achieve a crispier texture in the air fryer. Additionally, you can squeeze the mashed cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel to ensure it's as dry as possible before mixing with the other ingredients.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chopped cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli has a similar texture and can be used to create a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and are a gluten-free alternative.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and offers a milder flavor that complements the other ingredients.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water can act as a binding agent, suitable for a vegan option.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Fresh onions add a more robust and natural onion flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Cauliflower Tots
How To Store / Freeze Cauliflower Tots
Allow the cauliflower tots to cool completely after cooking. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled cauliflower tots in an airtight container. If stacking them, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The cauliflower tots will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, arrange the cauliflower tots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cauliflower tots to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the cauliflower tots directly from the freezer in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the cauliflower tots less crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cauliflower tots in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a quick oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cauliflower tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the cauliflower tots on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking.
To reheat on the stovetop, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the cauliflower tots in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower tots on the toaster oven tray. Heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: Used to cook the cauliflower tots to a golden brown and crispy texture without deep frying.
Steamer basket: Utilized to steam the cauliflower until it becomes tender.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the mashed cauliflower with other ingredients.
Masher: Helps in mashing the steamed cauliflower to the desired consistency.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Spatula: Useful for mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Knife: Needed to chop the cauliflower head into smaller pieces before steaming.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop the cauliflower.
Air fryer basket: The component of the air fryer where the tots are placed in a single layer for cooking.
Tongs: Handy for shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Baking sheet: Can be used to place the shaped tots before transferring them to the air fryer basket.
How to Save Time on Making Cauliflower Tots
Pre-cut cauliflower: Buy pre-cut cauliflower to save time on chopping and steaming.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash the steamed cauliflower using a food processor.
Pre-measured ingredients: Measure out the breadcrumbs, cheeses, and spices in advance.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze extra tots for future use.
Non-stick spray: Use non-stick spray on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower chopped
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Steam the cauliflower until tender, then mash it.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed cauliflower, breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into small tots.
- Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
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