Description
These Cauliflower Tater Tots are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato tots. Made with steamed cauliflower, spices, and a crispy breadcrumb coating, they are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. They can be baked or air fried for a crispy, golden texture without the added oil and calories. Suitable for gluten-free variations depending on flour and breadcrumb choices, these tots are a flavorful vegetable snack the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Tater Tots
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (340g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup flour (40g) (spelt, white, oat, gluten free all purpose, sorghum, or almond flour)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs (30g) or almond flour
Instructions
- Prepare baking or air fryer setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease your air fryer tray to prevent sticking.
- Steam the cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower florets until they are fall-apart soft, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.
- Preheat cooking appliance: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) or prepare your air fryer at the highest available temperature close to 425°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, salt, flour, and optional oregano for seasoning.
- Remove excess moisture: Place the cooled cauliflower in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth over a bowl and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid soggy tots.
- Mash and combine: Mash the drained cauliflower until smooth with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the dry spice mixture. Add a little water slowly if the mixture feels too dry to bind.
- Shape the tots: Form the cauliflower mixture into tater tot shapes by pressing with your hands. Roll each tot in crushed fine breadcrumbs or almond flour to coat.
- Cook the tots: Arrange the shaped tots on the baking sheet or place them in the air fryer basket. Bake for 25 minutes until lightly browned and crispy, or air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower tater tots hot as a side or appetizer, optionally adding your favorite toppings or dips.
- Store leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container for up to five days.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as the coating.
- Ensure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower to achieve crispy tots.
- Baking and air frying yield slightly different textures; air frying tends to produce crispier results faster.
- Tots can be served with ketchup, ranch dip, or any favorite sauce.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
