Air Fryer Crispy BBQ Cauliflower Bites
Make crispy, flavorful BBQ cauliflower bites using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 17 min
- Total Time: 32 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the water or plant milk into the flour mixture and whisk until you have a thin batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Place the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Toss the partially cooked cauliflower lightly with half of the BBQ sauce.
- Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and immediately toss with the remaining BBQ sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can skip the wet batter and instead toss the florets with 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before air frying.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your preference for coating thickness.
- If your BBQ sauce is very thick, thin it slightly with a teaspoon of water before tossing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0