Hey there! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite snacks: air fryer cauliflower tots! They’re not just super simple to whip up, but they’re also a deliciously healthy alternative to traditional potato tots. I mean, who doesn’t love a crispy, golden bite that’s packed with veggies? Plus, using the air fryer means you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without all the extra oil. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at cauliflower the same way again! They’re perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or even as a side dish. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick!)
- 1/4 cup almond flour (this helps bind everything together)
- 1 egg (for that perfect fluffiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these air fryer cauliflower tots is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! First, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures those tots get perfectly crispy on the outside. While that’s warming up, grab your food processor and rice your cauliflower. If you haven’t done this before, just break the cauliflower into florets and pulse it until it resembles rice. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is where the magic happens—mix everything until it’s well combined. I usually use my hands because it’s way more fun!
- Now, it’s time to form those adorable little tots! Grab a handful of the mixture and shape it into small, bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about them being perfect; rustic is charming!
- Carefully place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly. You might have to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for that gorgeous golden brown finish. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can vary a bit in cooking time.
- Once they’re done, serve them hot and enjoy that crunchy, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about what’s packed into these tasty little bites, here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (that’s about 4 tots!). You’re looking at around 150 calories, with 9 grams of fat (4 grams of that being saturated). There’s also about 6 grams of protein, which is fab for keeping you full, and just 10 grams of carbs. Plus, they only have 1 gram of sugar! Just keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, you’re in for a healthy snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cauliflower tots come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy Alternative: With cauliflower as the star ingredient, you’re getting a veggie-packed snack that’s guilt-free.
- Flavorful: The combination of cheese and seasonings gives these tots a deliciously savory taste that’ll have you reaching for more!
- Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a fun party snack—everyone will love them!
- Air Fryer Magic: Get that crispy texture without deep frying, so you can indulge without the extra calories.
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect air fryer cauliflower tots, there are a few little tricks I like to keep in mind! First, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out any excess moisture from your riced cauliflower. This step is key for getting those tots crispy! Also, feel free to experiment with your seasonings—adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more. If you want them extra cheesy, don’t hesitate to add a bit more cheese to the mix. Lastly, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it’s better to cook in batches for that golden-brown perfection!
Variations on Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
If you want to switch things up with these air fryer cauliflower tots, the possibilities are endless! For a cheesy twist, try using different types of cheese like mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy kick. You can also spice things up by adding some cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh touch. And if you’re looking for a crunch, consider mixing in some crushed nuts or seeds for added texture. Get creative and make these tots your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that amazing crunch. Just place the cooled cauliflower tots in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that crispy texture that makes them irresistible! You can also reheat them in the oven, but the air fryer is definitely my go-to for the best results!
FAQ About Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
If you’re wondering about some common questions regarding these air fryer cauliflower tots, I’ve got you covered! One question I often hear is, “Can I make these ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the tots a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them. Another great question is, “Can I freeze the cauliflower tots?” Yes, you can! Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free cheese. Trust me, these adjustments work beautifully!
For more information on the health benefits of cauliflower, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, check out our Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower recipe!
And for a fun twist on a classic, try our Pizza Tater Tots recipe!
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe: 5 Irresistible Bites
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for air fryer cauliflower tots.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Rice the cauliflower in a food processor.
- In a bowl, combine riced cauliflower, cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form small tots from the mixture.
- Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a vegan option, use a flax egg and dairy-free cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: air fryer cauliflower tots recipe
