Tiffany Haney
Cauliflower tots are a delicious, healthy snack that can be cooked in an air fryer or oven. They are a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables, and they are perfect for baby-led weaning! These tots are made with cauliflower rice, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also add other ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, and cornstarch to enhance the flavour and texture. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, and it is a fun way to enjoy some extra veggies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cauliflower, cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, salt, pepper |
| Preparation | Remove excess moisture from cauliflower, add ingredients to a bowl, mix, shape into tots, spray with oil |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Fryer Time | 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Oven Temperature | 375°F |
| Oven Time | 20 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Reheating | Air fryer or oven at 400°F for 3-5 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the cauliflower
If you are using frozen cauliflower, you will need to thaw it first. You can do this by steaming it in the microwave according to the package instructions or by letting it thaw on the counter. If there is a lot of excess liquid, be sure to drain it off.
Once you have your cauliflower rice, the next step is to steam it. Place the cauliflower in a large pot with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. You can also steam the cauliflower in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened.
After steaming, it is important to remove any excess liquid from the cauliflower. Transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial, as too much moisture will make your tots mushy.
Now, you are ready to add the remaining ingredients to the cauliflower and shape them into tots.
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Combining ingredients
To make cauliflower tots in an air fryer, you'll need to combine the ingredients in a large bowl. The base ingredient is riced cauliflower, which you can make yourself by steaming or boiling fresh cauliflower florets and then pulsing them in a food processor. Alternatively, you can use pre-packaged cauliflower rice, either fresh or frozen. If you're using frozen cauliflower, steam it in the microwave according to the package instructions, and if you're using fresh riced cauliflower, steam it for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened.
Remove any excess liquid from the riced cauliflower, as this will prevent your tots from becoming mushy. Allow the cauliflower to cool before adding in the other ingredients so that you don't scramble and cook the egg in the mixture.
The other ingredients you'll need are an egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. The egg acts as a binder to help hold the tots together, and you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. For the cheese, a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella works well, and you can also add some freshly grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness. As for seasonings, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are all commonly used, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, curry powder, or cajun spice.
Simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so that the ingredients can come together. You can then start shaping the mixture into tot-sized pieces.
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Shaping the tots
Shaping the cauliflower tots is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to shape the tots effectively:
Firstly, it is important to start with a uniform mixture. Combine the ingredients for the tots in a large bowl, ensuring they are well incorporated. The specific ingredients can vary, but typically include riced cauliflower, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. It is crucial to remove excess moisture from the cauliflower before mixing, as this can affect the texture and crispness of the final product.
Once the mixture is ready, use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture into small balls. You can adjust the size of the portions to your preference; smaller portions will result in bite-sized tots. Gently roll the mixture between your palms to form compact balls, then gently press and shape them into tot shapes. This hands-on approach ensures the tots hold together during cooking.
Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly into the air fryer basket, depending on your preferred cooking method. Ensure the tots are in a single layer and not overlapping, with a bit of space between them. This arrangement allows for even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispness.
Finally, before cooking, spray the tots with a light layer of cooking oil. This step is essential, as it helps the tots obtain a golden brown colour and crisp texture during cooking.
By following these steps, you will shape the cauliflower tots effectively, ensuring they cook evenly and have a desirable texture and appearance.
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Cooking in the air fryer
Preparation
Before you start cooking your cauliflower tots in an air fryer, you need to prepare the cauliflower. You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower for this recipe. If using frozen cauliflower, steam it in the microwave according to the package instructions. If you are using fresh cauliflower, cut it into florets and steam for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Remove any excess liquid from the cauliflower, using a kitchen towel or paper towel to squeeze it out. This step is important as it ensures your tots will be crispy.
Next, add the remaining ingredients to the bowl of cauliflower and mix well. The other ingredients typically used are egg, breadcrumbs, cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, or a combination), onion powder, and salt. You can also add pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Mix all the ingredients until well combined, and let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
Now, it's time to shape your tots. Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into tot shapes. You can make them any size you like, but a standard size is about a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the tots in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and are in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tots in batches.
Cook the tots for 8-12 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket or flipping the tots halfway through. The tots are done when they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional few minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Cauliflower tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the air fryer or oven at 400°F until warmed through, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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Storing and reheating
Once cooled, store your cauliflower tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months by placing the cooled tots in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring they are laid out in an even layer.
The best way to reheat cauliflower tots is in the oven or air fryer, which will help them regain a crispy texture. Reheat them directly from the fridge or freezer at 350°F–400°F for 2–5 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them mushy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cauliflower tots are typically made with riced cauliflower, cheese (parmesan and/or mozzarella), breadcrumbs, and egg. You can also add onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
If using frozen cauliflower, steam it in the microwave according to the package instructions. If using fresh cauliflower, cut it into florets and steam for 2-4 minutes or until softened. Remove any excess liquid, then transfer the cauliflower to a food processor and pulse until it becomes a rice-like consistency.
In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower with the rest of your ingredients. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and shape them into tot shapes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch. Spray the tots with cooking oil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Yes, you can bake cauliflower tots in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F-400°F. Place the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
