If you’re looking for a fun and tasty snack that can be served during almost any meal and for any occasion, check out this Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites recipe. It’s super simple and truly tasty. All you need is a large cauliflower, garlic, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, salt for seasoning, and oil that can withstand high heat.
That short list of groceries can be transformed into a wonderfully crispy treat that will have your family and friends coming back for more and more.
If you’re worried that this snack will be oily and render the cauliflower tasteless, don’t be. The oil finds it impossible to cling to the panko encrusted bites and all the cauliflower florets needs is a few minutes in some hot oil to render it golden and bite-worthy.
Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites requires a tasty dip to go with them. I recommend aioli, or how about one of my favorites – Honey Sriracha Dipping Sauce. See recipe below.
Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites go really well with almost any dip, so feel free to experiment if you like. Alternatively, you can buy a tasty dip and pour it into a bowl – no one will know.
As I mentioned earlier, you can serve Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites at almost any time. It’s great for adults and kids; served on platters at a fancy party; or in a bowl on game day. Pick your event and watch them vanish!
Cousin Tracy and I made swift work of these bites a couple of weeks ago. I had to make another batch to satisfy our sudden craving for more. So be warned, you might need back-up ingredients just in case.
Crispy Fried Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1 large white cauliflower
- 2-3 cups panko breadcrumbs - dependent upon size of cauliflower
- 1 tbsp garlic granules optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2-3 large eggs - dependent upon size of cauliflower
- Cooking oil
Equipment & Utensils
- Deep fryer or deep skillet
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Paper towel lined baking sheet or board
Instructions
- Remove cauliflower florets from stalks and cut into bite size pieces. Discard the stalks.
- Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix together panko breadcrumbs, garlic and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
- Whisk eggs and transfer to a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Fill deep fryer or skillet with oil to two-thirds and begin to heat the oil on high heat.
- Allow oil to heat up.
- Place a handful of cauliflower florets into the eggs and mix until they are completely coated.
- Remove the florets allowing the excess egg to drop back into the bowl and then place into breadcrumbs mixture.
- Toss cauliflower florets until they are completely coated.
- Remove the florets allowing the excess breadcrumbs mixture to drop back into the bowl.
- Once the oil is hot but not smoking, place the coated florets into the oil and allow to cook until golden.
- With a skimmer or slotted spoon, turn florets over and around to ensure all sides are golden. Watch the oil to ensure it doesn't begin to smoke, lower and/or raise heat as necessary.
- Once golden on all sides remove florets from oil and allow to drain on a paper towel lined baking sheet or board.
- Repeat steps 7 -13 until all the florets have been coated and cooked.
- Serve immediately with a dipping sauce or two of your choice.
