Description
These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a simple, flavorful, and crispy vegetable snack made with just five ingredients. The cauliflower florets are coated in melted butter, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper, then oven-baked or air-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a healthy appetizer, side dish, or snack, they offer a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 3 cups cauliflower florets (washed and thoroughly dried; about 1 small head of cauliflower)
Butter and Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Butter Coating: Toss the cauliflower florets with melted butter in a large bowl, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Use a silicone pastry brush if needed for thorough coverage.
- Seasoning: In the same bowl, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper over the butter-coated cauliflower.
- Toss to Coat: Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or use a large plate, then gently toss to evenly coat the florets with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges of the cauliflower begin to crisp and turn golden brown.
- Air Fryer Option: If using an air fryer, spray the crisper plate with olive oil and place the cauliflower in a single layer. Lightly spray the florets with olive oil to promote crispiness. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through if desired.
- Serve: Remove from oven or air fryer and enjoy the bites hot as a tasty, healthy snack or side dish.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are thoroughly dried before coating to help the butter and cheese stick better.
- Use finely grated Parmesan for even coating and better crispiness.
- Air fryer method requires less oil and tends to be a little crisper than baking.
- Can be seasoned with additional herbs like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for variation.
- Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness but can be reheated gently in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Parmesan cauliflower bites, roasted cauliflower, baked cauliflower snack, vegetarian appetizer, low carb snack
