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–+ servings
Deep fried cauliflower bites on a white platter with three dipping sauces.

Crispy Deep-Fried Cauliflower Bites

Chef Ryan Littley
My easy-to-make crispy deep-fried cauliflower bites would make a delicious addition to your next gathering or just to treat yourself!
5 from 28 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 105 kcal

Equipment

  • deep skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • frying oil

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Instructions
 

  • Cut the cauliflower florets into bite size pieces.
  • Cut the cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces, then rinse the cauliflower in a colander. Set aside to allow the moisture to drain off from the cauliflower pieces.
  • Add the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cumin to a medium bowl.
  • Add the dried cauliflower pieces to the buttermilk mixture. Gently mix to coat the pieces with the seasoned buttermilk.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
  • Add the all-purpose flour, salt and black pepper to a shallow bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Add 2-3 inches of oil to a large skillet and place on the stove over high heat. Heat the oil to 365 -375 degrees F.
    *Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the oil is hot enough. If the oil is not hot enough, the bites will be greasy.
  • While the oil is heating, add the marinated cauliflower to the flour mixture. *When you remove the cauliflower from the buttermilk marinade, let the excess buttermilk drip off before placing them in the flour.
    Get a good coating of flour on the bites.
  • Add the floured bites to the hot oil, frying the bites for 7-10 minutes until golden brown. You may have to turn the cauliflower bites over so both sides cook evenly.
    *Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Fry the bites for 7-10 minutes until golden brown. You may have to turn the cauliflower bites over so both sides cook evenly.
  • Place the cooked bites on a wire rack to drain.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Notes

*For extra crispy cauliflower bites add a tablespoon of baking powder to the flour mixture. It will help dry them out and give you an extra crispy coating.
*Make sure the oil is hot enough or instead of that perfect golden brown crispy coating, the bites will be soggy and greasy.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 362mgPotassium: 305mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 1mg
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