Say less 😄 Here are crispy cauliflower air-fryer bites that actually bring the protein—not just sad veggies pretending.
High-Protein Cauliflower Air Fryer Bites
Option 1: Greek Yogurt–Parmesan Crunch (easy + legit protein)
Protein: ~15–18g per serving (depends on yogurt & cheese)
Ingredients
-
1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
-
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (0% or full-fat both work)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan
-
½ cup panko or crushed high-protein breadcrumbs
-
1–2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional but 🔥 for protein + umami)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
Salt + pepper
-
Olive oil spray
How
-
Preheat air fryer to 400°F / 200°C
-
Mix yogurt, spices, salt & pepper. Toss cauliflower until coated.
-
Mix Parmesan, panko, and nutritional yeast in another bowl.
-
Press cauliflower into crumb mix.
-
Air fry 12–15 min, shaking halfway, until golden + crispy.
-
Spray lightly with oil at the halfway mark for extra crunch.
🔥 Dip idea: Greek yogurt + lemon + hot sauce.
Option 2: Chickpea Flour Power Bites (vegan, sneaky protein)
Protein: ~12–15g per serving
Ingredients
-
1 medium cauliflower
-
½ cup chickpea flour
-
½ cup water
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
Salt
How
-
Whisk chickpea flour, water, oil, spices into a thick batter.
-
Coat cauliflower evenly.
-
Air fry at 390°F / 200°C for 14–16 min, shaking once.
-
Optional last-minute spray of oil to crisp.
These go HARD with tahini or spicy hummus.
Option 3: Ultra-Protein Hack (Gym-Core Edition)
Add blended cottage cheese (½ cup) into the yogurt batter or mix hemp seeds into the crumb coating.