This recipe is a simple way to use up any leftover vegetables from your Sunday roast dinner. These air fryer broccoli and cauliflower bites are ready in just minutes and offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks. They’re full of flavour and turn out wonderfully crispy on the outside. Making them the perfect option for snacking or as an interesting appetizer. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in a serving of vegetables, especially for kids. Helping them get one of their five-a-day in a fun, tasty way! I had some broccoli and cauliflower leftover from Sunday lunch that didn’t make it into my cauliflower cheese bake. So my vegetables were already part-boiled and ready to go.
Both broccoli and cauliflower are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Which makes them a nutritious choice for any meal or snack. Having a variety of ways to cook these vegetables ensures they stay interesting. And this recipe is a great example of how to enjoy them in a new, exciting way. By air-frying rather than deep-frying, you’re cutting down on added fats and calories. While still getting that crispy, satisfying texture that makes these bites so irresistible.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the seasoning to suit your preferences. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a tasty appetizer, or a creative way to get your kids to eat more vegetables, these air-fried broccoli and cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 8 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowls
Ingredients for air fryer broccoli bites
Cauliflower and/or broccoli
100g of Plain flour
1 Egg, beaten
Panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon of paprika
Spicy chilli mayo to serve
Method
I started by preparing my vegetables, ensuring they were cut into bite-sized florets for easy dipping and even cooking. Whether it’s cauliflower, broccoli, or any other veggie of your choice, making sure the pieces are uniform in size will help them cook evenly and make for perfect bites. Once prepped, I dipped each floret into flour, making sure they were well-coated and seasoned with a light sprinkle of paprika for a touch of extra flavour. This step helps create a nice base layer that adds both texture and a subtle smoky kick to the final result.
Next, I moved on to the egg wash. Each floret got a thorough dip in the beaten egg, ensuring every bit was completely coated. The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick better, creating a nice crisp finish when air fried. Then it was time for the breadcrumbs. I transferred the florets into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs, making sure they were generously coated on all sides. Then I pressed gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhered well, creating a thick, crunchy layer. The panko breadcrumbs are key here – they give these veggie bites an irresistibly crispy texture that’s perfect for air frying.
So once coated, I placed the vegetable bites directly into my air-fryer basket, leaving the crisper plate in place to allow for even air circulation. I set the temperature to 180°C and let them cook for around 8 minutes. Halfway through, I checked on them and turned the bites over to ensure they cooked evenly and developed that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior.
When they were ready, I carefully removed them from the air-fryer, letting them cool slightly before serving. The result? A crispy, flavour-packed snack that’s healthy but also irresistibly delicious. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own!
Tips for Air Fryer Broccoli Bites
Air fryer broccoli and cauliflower bites are a delicious and healthy snack or side that are super simple to make. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly customisable. Here are some top tips to help you get them just right:
1. Cut florets evenly
Chop your broccoli and cauliflower into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly. Too large, and they’ll remain undercooked in the centre; too small, and they may burn or dry out.
2. Dry your veg thoroughly
After washing the florets, pat them dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. Excess moisture can lead to soggy bites and prevent them from crisping up properly.
3. Use a light coating
Toss the florets with a little olive oil or spray lightly with oil. This helps the seasonings stick and encourages a crisp golden crust. Don’t overdo the oil, use just enough to coat.
4. Add seasoning or coating
For simple bites, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. For a crispy snack-style version, toss the florets in beaten egg and coat with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air frying.
5. Preheat your air fryer
Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes. Preheating helps the veg start crisping right away.
6. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Arrange the florets in a single layer with a little space between them. This ensures they roast rather than steam.
7. Shake or turn halfway
For even browning and crispiness on all sides, give the basket a shake or turn the bites halfway through cooking.
8. Serve with dip
These broccoli and cauliflower bites are brilliant with garlic mayo, sweet chilli sauce, or a herby yoghurt dip. Serve hot and enjoy!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer broccoli bites, then you might also like my healthy air fryer cauliflower steaks or the air fryer cauliflower cheese recipe.
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