Everything But The Bagel Cauliflower Bites

Prepare to be AMAZED! These are the crispiest cauliflower bites you’ve ever had! I made them in the air fryer, but they can easily be made in the oven as well. But, if you don’t have an air fryer… you need one. It is the second most used kitchen appliance that I have, second to my Nespresso. I make everything in it- cauliflower gnocchi, crispy brussel sprouts, salmon, chicken parmesan, you can even bake cakes in it! These cauliflower wings are definitely in the top 3 favorite things to make in it, though.

I am quite obsessed with Everything but the Bagel seasoning. I put it on avocado toast, cauliflower gnocchi, you name it! So I got the urge to coat the cauliflower wings in it and wow, my world is forever changed. It adds the most delicious, oniony, garlicky flavor that is anything but boring. A delicious cilantro dip would be wonderful for these, but we just ate them as is, so feel free to get creative if you want to dip them in something! Maybe Trader Joe’s garlic hummus? Delicious.

Ingredients

Cauliflower – a small to medium size head

Bread Crumbs – I used regular Italian bread crumbs from the store, but feel free to make your own or use gluten-free

All Purpose Flour

Everything But the Bagel Seasoning – I have seen this at every grocery store/Target I have been to.

Water – This is used to thin the batter

Kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Air Fryer – This is the one I have and love
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 tablespoon)
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Fork

If making in the oven you will also need:

• Cooling Rack
• Tongs

How do you make Everything But The Bagel Cauliflower Bites?

Step 1: On a cutting board, cut your cauliflower head into bite size florets. Set aside.

Step 2: Then in a mixing bowl, whisk together your breadcrumbs, flour, and everything but the bagel seasoning. Add in the water and use a fork to whisk together until a thin pancake like batter is formed.

Step 3: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, fully coating it. Tap it against the side of the bowl to remove any excess batter.

Step 4: Place in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer and sprinkle with everything but the bagel seasoning.

Step 5: Air fry at 390F for 10 minutes. Remove the cauliflower bites using tongs and repeat this process from step 3 until all of the cauliflower is cooked.

**You may need to add more water as you go on and the batter naturally thickens. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of water at a time**

How to cook Everything but the Bagel Cauliflower Bites in the oven:

Place a metal or oven-safe cooling rack in a cookie sheet. Complete steps 1-3 above, then place the prepared cauliflower bites on the cooling rack and bake at 450F for 20 minutes. Repeat this process until all cauliflower is cooked.

Cooking Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or cookie sheet. You want there to be room around each cauliflower floret so air has room to circulate and crisp the cauliflower, rather than steam it.

How to store Everything But The Bagel Cauliflower Bites:

These are best enjoyed immediately. If you are saving, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer at 390F for 3 minutes, or oven at 450F for 10 minutes.

Any Substitutions:

You may sub the all-purpose flour for gluten-free 1:1 flour or the bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs.