Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
Updated Jul 08, 2025
These cauliflower tots are made in the Air Fryer with homemade riced cauliflower, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, seasoning and Air Fried until crispy.
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Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots!
I started making these air fryer cauliflower tots as a way to use up a head of cauliflower that was on its last leg, and now they’ve officially made it into the rotation. They’re crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and my kids actually eat them without asking what’s in them, which says a lot.
The prep takes a little effort (you do have to rice and squeeze the cauliflower), but once that part’s done, the cauliflower tots come together fast. I usually throw them in the air fryer while I’m making whatever else is for dinner, and we eat them with spicy mayo, ranch, or whatever dip is within reach.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Ingredients
- Cauliflower: A large head of cauliflower is needed for this recipe. If you want to go with the pre-cut florets, you’re going to need about 4 cups.
- Parmesan: I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan, because pre-grated can be a bit dry and lacking in flavor. You can also use sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
- Egg: A room temp egg blends easier, but it’s not required for this cauliflower tots recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: I recommend fine breadcrumbs because panko breadcrumbs don’t absorb much moisture.
- Seasonings: Salt and garlic powder, but add other seasonings to taste, like paprika or oregano.
How to Make Cauliflower Tots in the Air Fryer
Form and Cook the Cauliflower Tots
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower head cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley for serving
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot with about 1" of water at the bottom. Add the lid and place the pot over medium heat. Allow the cauliflower to cook for 15–18 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain the water and transfer the cauliflower to a food processor.
- Pulse the cauliflower until it's riced.
- Place the riced cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any moisture.
- Transfer the drained cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Once the mixture is uniform and starting to clump together, scoop out 1 tablespoon at a time and form it into a tight ball. Then, pinch the sides of the ball to create a long, oval shape. Repeat with the remaining tots.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Add the cauliflower tots to the basket, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, or until the cauliflower tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Steam rather than boil the cauliflower. Only add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pot. This will help the cauliflower cook through but absorb less water.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower. Aim for fork-tender. If the cauliflower gets too soft, it can turn watery, making the tots mushy or hard to shape.
- Remove as much moisture as possible. That’s key to getting the tots crisp in the air fryer. You should remove about one cup of liquid from a medium-sized cauliflower head.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the tater tots. If you don’t, they’re likely to stick to it.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the tots in an even layer with no overlapping. If they’re touching, they won’t get crispy all over. Cook them in batches if needed.
Serving Ideas
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, BBQ Sauce, Spicy Mayo
- Side salads: Simple Green Salad, Lebanese Fattoush Salad, Nicoise Salad
- Burgers: Avocado Burgers, Salmon Burgers, Chickpea Burgers
FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer.
Yes! To freeze the tots prior to cooking, lay them on a flat baking dish in the freezer for at least 4 hours. When frozen, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the cooking instructions.
To freeze the tots after cooking, cool them completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Yes, you can make this with fresh or frozen cauliflower. The cauliflower tots recipe remains the same, though it may take a minute or two longer for the cauliflower to get fork-tender. If you’re using frozen florets, you’ll need just under 2 pounds.
Yes! Use 4 cups of cauliflower rice, about one standard bag of store-bought cauliflower rice. If you’re using fresh cauliflower rice, steam it with 1″ of water in a covered pot for 5–7 minutes or until tender. If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, thaw it completely and steam it in the microwave until tender.
Yes! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Comments
Hi! Can these be frozen? Thanks! Love all your recipes!!!
I have yet to try that! But leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the air fryer.
I used frozen riced cauliflower and jt didn’t come together as well for me like the picture. However, the dish was delicious!! Definitely will make again. Thanks Yumna.
Glad you enjoyed! Was it not holding together well?
I used frozen riced cauliflower too…. I rinsed it in cold water to get the excess ice chunks off and then strained well and squeezed the excess liquid out with paper towel (a clean dish towel would work too). It held up really well on the air fryer so you might have had too much liquid?
Would love to try this with some broccoli and sharp cheddar!
these look so tasty. Such a good alternative to having carbs too! I’m definitely going to try these. I have an actifry, so it turns to cook them. I might be better putting mine in the oven.