Description
Crispy golden cauliflower bites bring Mediterranean magic to snack time with a zesty herb-infused crunch. Irresistible flavors and perfect texture make this dish a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share at gatherings or enjoy as a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Coating Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon Creole spice mix
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Warm cooking oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F, ensuring consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Separate fresh cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, creating consistent pieces for even cooking.
- Create a three-stage coating station: first layer with seasoned flour, followed by whisked eggs, then final crispy coating of panko, parmesan, and Creole spices.
- Carefully dredge each cauliflower piece through flour, ensuring complete coverage and gentle shaking to remove excess.
- Dip floured florets into beaten eggs, allowing complete egg adherence for maximum breading retention.
- Roll egg-coated cauliflower in seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure thorough and even coating.
- Gently lower breaded cauliflower into hot oil in small batches, preventing overcrowding and maintaining oil temperature.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating pieces to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and crispy exterior.
- Remove cauliflower bites using slotted spoon, placing on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let crispy bites rest for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly and maintain crunchiness.
- Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heating and prevent oil splatter during frying.
- Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before coating to help breading stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Keep oil temperature consistent around 350F to prevent soggy or burnt cauliflower bites; use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg