Follow these simple instructions to create perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer cauliflower bites every time. It’s a straightforward process that delivers impressive results!

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Begin by washing the head of cauliflower thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important because excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly and can lead to soggy cauliflower bites. Once dry, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for florets that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. If some florets are too large, they may not cook through in the allotted time, while smaller florets might overcook and become dry.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations

To make the breading process efficient and organized, set up three shallow bowls or dishes.

• Bowl 1: Flour Mixture: In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. This flour mixture is the first layer of coating and helps the wet ingredients adhere properly.
• Bowl 2: Egg Wash: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk) until well combined. This egg wash will act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the cauliflower and adding moisture for a crispy coating.
• Bowl 3: Breadcrumb Mixture: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs. This breadcrumb mixture is what will give the cauliflower bites their signature crispy texture and flavorful crust.

Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower Florets

Now it’s time to bread the cauliflower florets. Working in batches, take a handful of cauliflower florets and follow these steps for each floret:

1. Flour Coating: Dredge each cauliflower floret in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. This step creates a dry surface for the egg wash to adhere to.
2. Egg Wash Dip: Dip the floured floret into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully submerged and coated. Let any excess egg wash drip back into the bowl. The egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick and contribute to a crispy texture.
3. Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, dredge the egg-washed floret in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to all sides. Make sure the floret is completely covered in breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Repeat this breading process for all the cauliflower florets until they are all evenly coated.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy results. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures that the cauliflower bites start cooking immediately and develop a crispy exterior quickly.

Step 5: Air Fry the Cauliflower Bites

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can steam the cauliflower instead of crisping it up. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the cauliflower bites halfway through cooking, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the cauliflower florets. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the air fryer cauliflower bites are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Serve them immediately while they are hot and at their crispiest. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces. See the “How to Serve” section below for some delicious serving suggestions.