Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 large egg (for binding)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up better in the air fryer).
2. Season the Cauliflower:
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make sure each floret is coated evenly.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan, ground flaxseed (if using), and Italian seasoning.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg, making sure it’s well-coated, then roll it in the almond flour-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
5. Air Fry:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve:
- Once the cauliflower bites are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Optional: Serve with a low-carb dipping sauce like ranch or a sugar-free marinara for extra flavor.
These crispy cauliflower bites are the perfect low-carb snack or side dish. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and so satisfying. Plus, the air fryer gives them that deep-fried texture without all the extra oil!