Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots: 7 Reasons to Love This Snack

Name: Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots: 7 Reasons to Love This Snack
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium cauliflower head, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots*! If you’re looking for a snack that’s not only crispy and delicious but also a bit healthier, you’ve hit the jackpot with this recipe! These little bites of joy are packed with flavor, thanks to the gooey cheese and aromatic spices. Seriously, they’re like little clouds of comfort that just happen to be good for you! I love the way they come out of the air fryer – golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the perfect guilt-free treat for any time of day.

These cauliflower tots are fantastic for satisfying those snack cravings without compromising on health. Whether you’re having a movie night, enjoying a game day, or just need a quick bite, these tots are a delicious solution. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, which means everyone can join in on the fun! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this amazing recipe that’s about to become your new favorite snack!

Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots - detail 1

Ingredients List

To whip up these delightful Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 medium cauliflower head, chopped into florets
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar for that melty goodness!)
1/4 cup almond flour, which helps bind everything together
1/4 cup green onions, chopped for that fresh burst of flavor
1 egg to hold the mixture together
1 teaspoon garlic powder for a tasty kick
1 teaspoon onion powder, because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor?
Salt and pepper to taste, of course!

These simple ingredients combine perfectly to make a crispy, delicious snack that’s sure to impress. Make sure your cauliflower is nice and fresh for the best results!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots

Making these scrumptious Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every moment of it! Let’s get cooking!

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your tots cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness we all crave!
Steam the Cauliflower: While the air fryer is heating up, grab your chopped cauliflower and steam it until it’s tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You want it soft enough to mash easily, so don’t rush this part!
Drain and Cool: Once steamed, drain the cauliflower well to get rid of any excess moisture. Let it cool for a few minutes – you don’t want to burn your hands when it’s time to mash!
Mash It Up: In a large mixing bowl, take your cooled cauliflower and mash it with a fork or potato masher until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Mix in the Goodies: Add the shredded cheese, almond flour, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. You should have a nice, cohesive mixture that holds together.
Form the Tots: Now comes the fun part – shaping your mixture into small tot-sized pieces! I like to scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a little ball, then gently flatten it. You want them to be uniform so they cook evenly.
Air Fry the Tots: Place your formed tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. This allows for optimal airflow and crispiness! Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through for that perfect golden brown color.

And voila! You’ve got yourself some amazing air-fried cauliflower tots that are sure to delight your taste buds! Just let them cool slightly before diving in, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots in just 25 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute snack!
Healthy Alternative: Packed with veggies and made with wholesome ingredients, these tots are a guilt-free indulgence you can feel good about.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of cheese, garlic, and green onions creates a flavor-packed bite that’s hard to resist!
Versatile Snack: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a quick treat. Serve them with your favorite dip for an extra kick!
Vegetarian-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy these delicious bites, making them a great addition to any gathering!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips up my sleeve! Trust me, they’ll save you from any kitchen mishaps!

Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: When steaming your cauliflower, keep an eye on it! Overcooking can make it too mushy, leading to a soggy mixture. Aim for tender but still firm florets for the best texture.

Drain Well: After steaming, be sure to drain the cauliflower thoroughly. Any excess water can make your tots fall apart, and nobody wants that! A quick squeeze in a clean kitchen towel can help remove that extra moisture.

Shape Uniformly: Try to make your tots the same size for even cooking. This way, they’ll all be perfectly crispy and golden brown when they’re done!

Adjust Cooking Time: Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on your tots as they cook. If they’re not quite golden after 12-15 minutes, just give them a couple more minutes until they reach that perfect crisp!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be the cauliflower tot queen or king in no time! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Variations

One of the best things about these Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots is how easy they are to customize! You can play around with the ingredients to suit your taste or even to clean out your fridge. Here are some fun ideas:

Add Spices: Want a kick? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mix for a smoky flavor that’ll blow your taste buds away!
Cheese Choices: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist. Each cheese brings its own magic!
Herbs Galore: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness. They add a beautiful color and lovely aroma!
Protein Boost: If you’re looking to up the protein, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or some cooked quinoa for a nutritious twist!

Feel free to get creative and make these tots your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to snacking, it’s always nice to know what you’re munching on, right? These Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (which is about 4 tots):

Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. But one thing’s for sure – you can indulge in these tasty tots without the guilt! Enjoy snacking smartly!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these yummy Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you out:

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mashing. Frozen cauliflower can work wonders, but it might have a bit more moisture, so a little extra almond flour might help bind the mixture.

How can I make these tots spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix! You can also try using spicy cheese like pepper jack to amp up the flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The air fryer is my go-to for reheating these tots! Just pop them back in at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, and they’ll be crispy again in no time.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the tots, then refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.

What dips pair well with cauliflower tots?
So many options! I love serving them with a tangy ranch or a spicy salsa. You can also try a creamy avocado dip for a fresh twist!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers from your delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots (though I doubt it!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that crispy goodness. Just let the tots cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, the air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the tots for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that delightful crunch we all love. If you prefer, you can also use the oven by placing them on a baking sheet at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots are so versatile and can be served alongside a variety of delicious dips and dishes that will elevate your snacking experience! For a classic combo, I love pairing them with a creamy ranch dressing or a zesty sour cream dip. The coolness of the dip complements the warm, crispy tots perfectly!

If you’re in the mood for something with a kick, try serving them with spicy salsa or a smoky chipotle aioli. That little bit of heat really brings out the flavors! And for a fresh twist, a tangy avocado lime dip adds a burst of creaminess that’s simply irresistible.

Don’t forget, these tots also make a fantastic side dish to a hearty salad or alongside a warm bowl of soup. Trust me, no matter how you serve them, they’ll disappear in no time!