Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower Bites (Indian Style)
Explore bold flavours with our crispy Indian-spiced cauliflower bites! Whether air-fried or baked, this twist on roasted cauliflower is mildly spiced. Serve with a refreshing Raïta yogurt dip for the perfect bite.
These crispy cauliflower bites are perfect as a snack, side dish, tapas, or appetizer. Mildly spiced and family-friendly, they contain no hot peppers—unless you want to kick up the heat! Paired with a smooth and creamy yogurt dip, they make a delicious treat for all ages, even toddlers.
Indian Technique
Indian food often requires marinating the meat in yogurt; in this case, our ‘piece de resistance’ is Cauliflower, but the yogurt will help keep the veggie moist and distribute the spices all over.
Garam Masala (Indian Spice-Mix)
Knowing not everyone has Garam Masala mix at home, I’ll try to provide a few variations of spices. In India, the famous mix differs a lot. If you don’t like or have one ingredient, simply skip it. But basically, these are the spices used in my version of Garam Masala: cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, green and black cardamom, mace, long pepper, nutmeg, clove, dried coriander and black cumin. I know… it’s a lot!
In addition, they mostly use extra aromatics like hot pepper, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. But do not worry; you can get a lovely result using only a few of them; for instance, omitting the mace and long pepper wouldn’t affect the dish much. You can usually buy an already-made version of Garam Masala in Supermarkets, specialized stores, or even online (check the link here).
Air Fryer vs. Baking
You get the exact result by baking or air-frying sensibly, depending on the batch size you are making. The Air fryer does a faster job half the time than the oven, but it doesn’t have the space for so many cauliflower florets, so you’ll have to make two batches. You’ll get the same result and the same crunch both ways. In both cases, a light olive oil spray helps make the panko extra crispy and gives the cauliflower a light golden finish.
The Dip
The dip is a simple Indian dip called Raïta, simplified with Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, and salt. The usual one would be made of mint, but I prefer cilantro. The sauce can be made on the spot or ahead of time, which is even better for gaining flavour.
FAQ
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Of course, it will be a tad less crunchy, that’s all.
Can I use an Egg Wash instead of yogurt?
If you want a lactose-free version, an egg wash bath for the cauliflower would do, but they won’t stay as moist as with yogurt.
Other Air Fried Bites Ideas
Crispy Cauliflower Bites – Indian Style (Air Fried and Baked)
Ingredients
- 1 Cauliflower cut into big florets
- 200 ml Greek or Plain Yogurt
- 100 g Panko
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- 1 tsp Olive Oil Spray *optional
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder or fresh
- ½ tsp Spicy Paprika cayenne or kashmir *optional
- Salt
The Yogurt-Cilantro Sauce
- 200 ml Greek yogurt Creme Fraiche or sour cream
- 1 hand Fresh Cilantro Leaves or mint *finely chopped
- ½ tsp Garlic Clove finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into big florets and add to a big bowl with the yogurt and all the spices.
- Cover and shake until well mixed.
- Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Make the dip by finely chopping the cilantro and garlic and mixing them well into the Greek Yogurt. Let it rest covered in the fridge.
- Cover each floret with panko, spray lightly with oil, and add to a parchment-covered rack or air fryer.
- Air Fryer: Cook for 10 minutes at 200°C (400°F) orOven Baked: Cook for 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
Video
Nutrition
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Did You Make This Recipe?
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These cauliflower bites turned out crisp in the air flyer. The yogurt-cilantro sauce made these extra delicious.
I’m all about dip with crunchy bites!! yum!