Name: Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487092H7M1S
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into nugget-sized florets; 2 large eggs; 100 ml milk; 80 g all-purpose flour; 50 g cornstarch; 30 g grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 Tbsp curry powder; 1 tsp chili flakes; ½ Tbsp freshly ground black pepper; ½ Tbsp salt; Oil, for frying

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Short Description

These Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets are golden-brown, flavorful bites featuring cauliflower florets coated in a spiced, Parmesan-rich batter—perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a fun side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crunchy on the outside, tender inside thanks to a double-dredge batter
Bold seasoning with curry powder, chili flakes, and Parmesan
Versatile and shareable—serve with any dipping sauce you love

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 medium head cauliflower, broken into nugget-sized florets
2 large eggs
100 ml milk
80 g all-purpose flour
50 g cornstarch
30 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp chili flakes
½ Tbsp freshly ground black pepper
½ Tbsp salt
Oil, for frying

Directions

Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut cauliflower head into medium florets, then break into smaller, nugget-sized pieces.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch florets for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
- Add flour, cornstarch, grated Parmesan, baking powder, curry powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined into a thick batter.
Coat the Nuggets
- Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Allow excess batter to drip off before frying.
Fry the Cauliflower
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat—enough to cover half the height of the nuggets.
- Fry the battered florets in batches, 4–5 minutes per side, until crisp and golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel–lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serve
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, spicy aioli, or sweet chili are excellent partners. Enjoy the crunch!

Servings And Timing

Yield: Serves 4 as an appetizer or side (about 20–24 nuggets)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (including frying in batches)
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Air-Fryer Option: Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, to reduce oil usage.
Spice It Up: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne powder to the batter.
Cheesy Twist: Mix extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the batter.
Herbal Finish: Stir in finely chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and reheat nuggets on a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Do Not Freeze Batter-Coated Cauliflower: Batter may separate—fry fresh for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I Bake Instead Of Frying?

Yes—air-fry or bake the coated nuggets at 200 °C (400 °F) until golden and crisp.

2. Do I Have To Blanch The Cauliflower?

Blanching ensures even cooking and a tender interior—though you can skip it for firmer texture.

3. Can I Use A Different Nut-Free Cheese?

Yes—Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, or a vegan hard cheese all work well.

4. How Do I Keep Nuggets From Getting Soggy?

Make sure cauliflower is thoroughly drained after blanching and the oil remains hot.

5. Is This Gluten-Free Without Flour?

Replace flour with gluten-free blend or almond flour, ensuring cornstarch is GF.

6. Can I Prepare The Batter Ahead?

Yes—mix batter up to 1 hour before frying and refrigerate, but avoid adding cauliflower prematurely.

7. What Dipping Sauces Pair Best?

Try garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, ranch, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.

8. Are These Vegan-Friendly?

Not as-is—substitute eggs with aquafaba or flax “egg,” and dairy Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

9. How Do I Make Them Less Spicy?

Reduce or omit chili flakes and adjust curry powder to taste.

10. Can I Add Vegetables To The Batter?

Yes—finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be folded into the batter for extra veggies.

Conclusion

Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets are an irresistible, flavorful twist on a classic snack—deliciously crunchy, subtly spiced, and quick to prepare. Perfect for game nights, lunch sides, or anywhere you want a satisfying veggie-forward bite. Dunk, crunch, and enjoy!

Maggie