"Golden-brown crispy Parmesan cauliflower bites on a black plate with fresh parsley and dipping sauce"

KETO CRISPY PARMESAN CAULIFLOWER BITES

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KETO CRISPY PARMESAN CAULIFLOWER BITES
(Quick & Easy Air Fryer or Oven Recipe)

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 119 per serving
Fat: 9g
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 4g
Difficulty: Easy
Tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free adaptable

Cauliflower florets being dried on marble countertop with fresh herbs and whole garlic in the background

EQUIPMENT NEEDED
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet OR air fryer
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Whisk
  • (Alternative: Use zip-lock bags for coating instead of bowls)
INGREDIENTS

Base:

  • 1 small cauliflower head (3-4 cups florets), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (30ml) [or olive oil for dairy-free]
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (50g)
  • 1 cup almond flour (96g) [optional for extra crunch]

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
Hands gently coating a cauliflower floret in a Parmesan cheese mixture on a dark wooden cutting board

METHOD
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 390°F (200°C)
  2. Thoroughly wash and DRY cauliflower florets (moisture is the enemy of crispiness!)
  3. Mix Parmesan, almond flour (if using), and all seasonings in a bowl
  4. Coat cauliflower pieces evenly with melted butter
  5. Roll each floret in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to coat
  6. Place on lined baking sheet or in air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd!)
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway
    OR
    Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking basket at 10-minute mark
  8. Look for golden brown edges and crispy exterior before removing
Golden-brown cauliflower bites garnished with parsley on a black plate with a side of red dipping sauce

CRUCIAL TIPS
  • Pat cauliflower completely dry before coating
  • Don’t overcrowd – pieces need space to crisp
  • Press coating firmly but gently onto florets
  • Serve immediately for maximum crunch
STORAGE & REHEATING
  • Store in airtight container up to 3 days
  • Reheat in oven/air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes
  • Avoid microwave (makes them soggy)
VARIATIONS
  • Italian: Add Italian seasoning blend
  • Spicy: Double the cayenne
  • Extra Crispy: Use crushed pork rinds instead of almond flour
  • Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
  • Wet cauliflower = soggy coating
  • Overcrowded pan = steamed instead of crispy
  • Microwave reheating = loss of crunch

This recipe turns humble cauliflower into addictively crispy, cheesy bites that even veggie-skeptics will love. Perfect for game day snacking or as a keto-friendly side dish!

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