Fried Cauliflower Bites
What can’t cauliflower do?
I love entertaining and am always looking for fun new appetizers. I am also always looking for healthier options that don’t necessarily taste healthy and these cauliflower bites are the perfect combination. Now, of course, they are still deep fried, so I wouldn’t call them super healthy, but I like to fry them in avocado oil instead of the usual canola or vegetable oil to make these a little better. You can serve these with any dipping sauce you like. They go especially well with a sweet chili sauce but are equally as delicious with the classics like ranch or ketchup.
Fried Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 eggs beaten
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Panko
- 1 tsp salt plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4 cups avocado oil or preferred light oil
For Serving
- flakey sea salt
- sesame seeds
- thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite sized florets and rinse thoroughly, then allow to drip dry for a few minutes.
- Toss the cauliflower florets in the flour, then remove and set aside.
- Combine the remaining flour, the breadcrumbs, panko, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika and set aside.
- In a deep fryer or large sauté pan, heat the oil to about 350 degrees.
- Dredge the flour coated florets in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- When the oil reaches temperature, fry the cauliflower bites in small batches, ensuring you don't overcrowd the fryer or pan and drop the temperature too quickly.
- Fry the florets until golden brown. Remove from the oil and transfer to a paper towel covered plate. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces. These go especially well with a sweet chili sauce.