Air Fryer Recipe
Cheesy Cauliflower and Jalapeño Bites
These cauliflower and jalapeño bites achieve a perfect balance of a crisp, cheesy exterior and a soft, savoury interior. The air fryer is ideal for this recipe as it quickly dries the crumb coating, melts the cheese just right, and browns the outside with minimal oil.
Ingredients
- 450g cauliflower florets, trimmed into even pieces
- 80g mature Cheddar, finely grated
- 60g mozzarella, finely grated, or Monterey Jack if available
- 60g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed for moderate heat, or 35g sliced jarred jalapeños, drained and chopped
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 70g panko breadcrumbs, plus 40g extra for coating
- 20g plain flour
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus extra to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or flat-leaf parsley
- 1½ tbsp neutral oil or olive oil spray
Method
- Steam or microwave the cauliflower until just tender, about 6–8 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Let the cauliflower steam-dry for 8–10 minutes, then chop finely or pulse briefly in a food processor.
- Wrap the chopped cauliflower in a clean tea towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix the cauliflower with Cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, jalapeños, spring onions, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, coriander or parsley, beaten egg, 70g panko, and plain flour.
- Shape the mixture into 18–20 compact balls or squat nuggets, about 28–30g each.
- Roll each bite in the remaining 40g panko, pressing so the coating adheres.
- Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes.
- Lightly oil the basket or use a perforated liner, then place the bites in one layer with at least 1cm between them.
- Spray or brush the tops with oil.
- Air fry at 190°C for 8 minutes, then turn the bites gently.
- Spray any dry-looking patches with a little more oil and cook for another 4–6 minutes until deep golden, crisp, and hot through.
- Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250
