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Parmesan cauliflower bites have become my everyday guilty treat. I'm crazy about how easy they are – just five things make a crispy, tasty side dish. Whether I cook them in my oven or air fryer, these little munchies add some tasty goodness to any meal while staying on the lighter side.
Why you'll fall in love with this tasty cauliflower snack
This is my go-to for busy weeknights or surprise get-togethers. You'll need very few ingredients and hardly any prep time. The parmesan brings strong flavor while paprika adds a gentle smoky touch. It's my healthy swap for regular snacks that always gets everyone talking.
Must-have ingredients
I always grab a nice fresh cauliflower and use about three cups of small florets. Two tablespoons of melted butter will coat all the pieces. A half cup of finely grated parmesan creates that irresistible crunch. One teaspoon of paprika and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper round out the flavors perfectly.
My step-by-step approach
I start by heating my oven to 220°C. In a big bowl I mix my cauliflower pieces with melted butter making sure they're all coated. Then I toss in my magical mix of parmesan, paprika and black pepper. I spread everything in one layer on a tray and put it in the oven for 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy. For the air fryer version, I heat it to 200°C, spray a bit of olive oil and set it for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Tips for flawless bites
The key to success is making sure your cauliflower is completely dry before coating it with butter and spices. Sometimes I throw in garlic powder or chili flakes for different flavors. I never overcrowd my tray or air fryer so each piece gets nice and crispy.
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Nutritional advantages
These bites are my perfect answer for a healthy low-carb, gluten-free snack. Cauliflower packs lots of fiber and vitamins C and K while parmesan adds calcium and protein. At around 150 calories per serving, I can enjoy them without any guilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen cauliflower work?
- Yes, just defrost and dry it thoroughly. The texture will change a bit but it'll still be delicious.
- → How do you store leftovers?
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- → What type of parmesan is best?
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor. Avoid pre-grated options for best results.
- → How can I make it crispier?
- Dry the cauliflower well after washing, and leave space between pieces on the baking sheet. Moist pieces won't crisp up.
- → Can the spices be changed?
- Sure! Try cumin, curry, or herbes de Provence. Parmesan remains the perfect base for the coating.