Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites

Crispy and golden, these Fried Cauliflower Bites recipe will likely become your go-to when you need a delicious appetizer to serve to guests. These cauliflower bites are coated in a batter before being shallow fried until crispy, hot, and golden. If you have never fried anything before, rest assured that this recipe is incredibly easy to make.

To make the fried cauliflower bites, cauliflower florets get boiled until soft before being drained and allowed to cool. Then, flour, eggs, milk, and salt are whisked together to make a smooth batter. Finally, the cauliflower florets are dipped into the batter and fried in hot oil until crispy. Served with a creamy dipping sauce, these cauliflower bites will be sure to please!

What are Fried Cauliflower Bites?

These fried cauliflower bites are cauliflower florets that have been coated in a batter and fried until golden. Frying cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness while giving it an appealing crispy coating.

Fried cauliflower is popular in several parts of the world including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Cauliflower is sometimes fried as it is or coated in a breading or batter before being fried. Other versions might be coated in buffalo sauce as a take on buffalo chicken wings, which is appealing for plant-based eaters as well.

This version of fried cauliflower bites includes a simple batter that enrobes the cauliflower florets, sealing in their juices and adding a crisp coating. Whether you serve them on their own or with a dipping sauce, this cauliflower bites recipe is incredibly delicious!

Pro Tips

• Since the cauliflower will be fried, it should only be boiled just until it is fork tender but not until it is mush.
• Use a thermometer to determine whether the vegetable oil is hot enough for frying. The ideal temperature for frying is 177 C to 190 C (350 F to 375 F), which will allow the cauliflower florets to become crispy without causing the coating to burn.
• For the batter, a whisk will ensure that all the ingredients emulsify into a smooth batter with no lumps.
• Feel free to replace the cauliflower with other vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
• If you would like to turn these cauliflower bites into buffalo cauliflower bites, you can toss them with warm buffalo sauce after they are fried.
• These cauliflower bites would be delicious served with a dipping sauce such as a lemon aioli or creamy tahini sauce.

What to Serve with Fried Cauliflower Bites?

These fried cauliflower bites only need to be served with your favorite beverage such as sparkling wine, white wine, or sparkling water and you will be good to go! They would also be great with a creamy lemon aioli or garlic aioli for dipping, though. Alternatively, for a spicy flavor, you could serve them with a chipotle mayonnaise.

Can I Make the Cauliflower Bites Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! While the batter for these fried cauliflower bites include regular milk, you could easily replace it with a plant-based milk.

Can I Make Fried Cauliflower Bites Gluten-Free?

Yes, you definitely could! For a gluten-free option, simply replace the all-purpose flour with oat flour. Generally, you should replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup to 1 ¼ cups of oat flour. In the case of this recipe, simply start with 1 cup and gradually add more oat flour until you achieve the correct consistency for the batter.

What Temperature Should the Oil Be for Frying?

The ideal temperature for frying cauliflower is 177 C to 190 C (350 F to 375 F). This will ensure that the cauliflower coating becomes golden brown quickly so that the cauliflower doesn’t absorb too much oil.

Why Did My Cauliflower Bites Turn All Soggy?

The cauliflower bites might turn soggy if the oil isn’t hot enough when frying, causing the batter to absorb excess oil. Additionally, overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven frying.

Can I Make These Bites in An Air Fryer Instead?

Yes, these can be made in an air fryer. Coat the cauliflower florets in batter and place them on a greased air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How to Store Fried Cauliflower Bites

These cauliflower bites are best eaten as soon as they are made, but if you have leftovers, they should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, to reheat them, you can simply bake them in the oven or put them in an air fryer to re-crisp them.

How to Make Fried Cauliflower Bites

Step 1: Fill a pot with water and add the cauliflower florets, bay leaves, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil; allow the cauliflower to cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain and allow the cauliflower to cool.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk the flour with the eggs, milk, and salt until combined.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan. Dip the cauliflower in the batter and allow the excess to drip off.

Step 4: Fry the cauliflower in the oil until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve the fried cauliflower bites on a platter with a dipping sauce if desired.