Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots are a healthier, delicious alternative to traditional potato tots that satisfy cravings for crunchy, savory snacks without the junk food guilt. Made with steamed cauliflower, shredded cheese, and a blend of spices, these tots come out perfectly golden and crispy using the air fryer, making them quick and easy to prepare. Serve with a zesty yogurt-based dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Base
- 2 cups Cauliflower florets, finely chopped
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 large Egg, natural binder
- ½ cup Breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crispiness)
For Flavor and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (parsley or chives, optional)
Optional Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Hot sauce or sriracha
Instructions
- Steam the Cauliflower: Place cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean towel and squeeze out all excess moisture to ensure crispy tots.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes cohesive and slightly sticky, adding fresh herbs if using.
- Shape the Tots: Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and gently roll between your palms into 1½-inch logs. Arrange each tot on a parchment-lined tray or plate for easy transfer to the air fryer.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 3 minutes to reach temperature.
- Air Fry the Tots: Place the cauliflower tots in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Remove when the tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce (optional): While tots cook, mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with hot sauce or sriracha to make a spicy, creamy dip.
- Serve: Serve your crispy cauliflower tots warm with the optional dipping sauce or your favorite condiment.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the steamed cauliflower to achieve crispy texture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a mix of your favorites for varied flavor.
- If you prefer, bake tots in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Leftover tots can be refrigerated and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
