Go Back
To make Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Tots, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired) - 1 large egg - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray Let's make cooking easy! Here are some tips for the ingredients: - Cauliflower: Choose a firm head with no brown spots. Fresh is best. - Cheese: Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. - Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free breadcrumbs work great. You can also use crushed crackers. - Egg: If you want a vegan option, use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder. - Green Onions: You can use chives instead for a milder taste. Each serving of these cheesy cauliflower tots is packed with flavor! Here’s a breakdown: - Calories: Approx. 180 - Protein: 8g - Carbohydrates: 12g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 2g - Sodium: 300mg These tots are a tasty and healthier snack choice. Enjoy them guilt-free! 1. Start by steaming the cauliflower florets for 5-7 minutes until tender. 2. Drain the cauliflower well and let it cool a bit. 3. Transfer the cooled cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel. Wring out as much moisture as you can. This step is key for crispy tots! 4. In a large bowl, mix the drained cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to combine everything well. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. 2. While it heats, shape the cauliflower mixture into small tots, about 1-2 inches long. 3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 4. Place the tots in a single layer in the basket. Ensure they don’t touch for even cooking. You might need to do this in batches. 5. Air fry the tots for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. 6. Carefully remove the crispy tots and repeat with any remaining mixture. - Make sure to wring out all the moisture from the cauliflower. Extra moisture leads to soggy tots. - Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. - For added crunch, consider tossing the tots in a bit more breadcrumbs before air frying. When picking cauliflower, look for a head that is firm and white. Avoid any that have dark spots or brown patches. Fresh cauliflower should feel heavy for its size. This means it is full of moisture. A fresh head will give you the best flavor and texture for your tots. You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want a dairy-free version, try using vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also skip the egg and use a flaxseed egg as a binder. Just combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes. One common mistake is not draining the cauliflower well. If you skip this step, your tots can turn out soggy instead of crispy. Another mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. This prevents the hot air from circulating properly, which can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to give each tot space to cook evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the cooking spray! It helps to achieve a nice, golden crust on your tots. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your cauliflower tots by using different cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. Goat cheese gives a creamy texture. You can even mix mozzarella and pepper jack for a nice kick. Just keep the total cheese amount the same, about 1.5 cups. This way, your tots stay crispy. Spicing up your tots is easy. Want a little heat? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a fresh taste, try adding chopped herbs like parsley or basil. Italian seasoning brings a warm flavor. You can mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. Just remember to not overdo it; a little goes a long way. To make your cauliflower tots vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use vegan cheese options like cashew cheese or soy cheese for a creamy texture. These changes keep your tots tasty and fun, without any animal products. To keep your cauliflower tots fresh, first let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing their taste. When you’re ready to eat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tots in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them crispy again. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer gives the best results. To freeze your tots, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about one hour. Once they are frozen, transfer the tots to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, cook from frozen in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Yes, you can make these cheesy cauliflower tots ahead of time. Prepare the mixture and form the tots. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After that, store them in a freezer bag. You can air fry them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. A few great dips for your cauliflower tots include: - Marinara sauce - Ranch dressing - Garlic aioli - Spicy ketchup - Creamy yogurt dip These dips add flavor and fun to your snack. You can mix and match to find your favorite! Leftover cauliflower tots last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This will help bring back their crunch. We covered how to make tasty cauliflower tots step by step. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook them for a crispy finish. Tips helped you with storage and dietary needs. Don't forget to add your favorite spices or cheeses for more flavor. Always avoid common mistakes to ensure success. These bites are easy to make and great for snacks or meals. Enjoy your cooking journey and let the flavor shine in every bite!

Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Craving a tasty and healthy snack? Try these Crispy Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Tots! Made with fresh cauliflower, melty mozzarella, and flavorful spices, these delightful bites are perfect as an appetizer or party treat. They're easy to make and get crispy in just 15 minutes in the air fryer. Click through to uncover the full recipe and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)

1 large egg

2 green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Begin by steaming the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and allow to cool slightly.

    Once cooled, transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots!

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

          While the air fryer is preheating, form the cauliflower mixture into small, tot shapes, about 1-2 inches long.

            Once the air fryer is ready, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place the cauliflower tots in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch for even cooking. You may need to work in batches.

              Air fry the tots for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

                Carefully remove the tots and repeat the cooking process with the remaining mixture.

                  Serve hot, and enjoy your cheesy cauliflower tots with your choice of dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch!

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4