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Air Fryer Crispy BBQ Cauliflower Bites

A close-up of golden brown, crispy Air Fryer Crispy BBQ Cauliflower Bites drizzled with a thick, dark BBQ sauce on a white plate.
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Make crispy, flavorful BBQ cauliflower bites using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a satisfying crunch without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Instructions

  1. Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  3. Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary.
  4. Air fry for 10 minutes. Shake the basket well.
  5. Continue air frying for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender inside and starting to brown and crisp on the edges.
  6. While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the BBQ sauce over medium heat. If using cornstarch, mix it with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the warm sauce. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  7. Remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer. Place it in a clean bowl.
  8. Pour the warm BBQ sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently until all bites are coated.
  9. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 2 to 3 minutes to set the sauce and increase crispness.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness without breading, ensure the cauliflower florets are completely dry before oiling them.
  • If you prefer a spicier bite, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the initial seasoning mix.
  • If your BBQ sauce is very thick, you may not need the cornstarch.

Nutrition

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