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Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 3, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026
American
25 mins
air-fryer-friendlyketolow-carbhigh-proteingluten-freehealthycrispyeasysnackable30-minutes-or-lessfamily-friendlybudget-friendlyv2
Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly low-carb, these Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots are a quick and healthy snack ideal for keto followers and anyone craving a guilt-free, crunchy bite.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
-
Steam the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
-
Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the steamed cauliflower to avoid soggy tots.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, egg, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Mix in the almond flour gradually until the mixture is firm enough to shape into tots. You may need slightly more or less almond flour depending on moisture.
-
Shape the mixture into small tots about 1 to 1.5 inches long and place them on a plate.
-
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
-
Arrange the cauliflower tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry in batches if needed.
-
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
-
Remove and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cook Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.
Crispiness Control
Pat the head cauliflower dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.
Doneness Cues
Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots ahead of time?
- You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
- How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?
- Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
- How do I know the head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets) is done?
- Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.
Ingredient Replacements
Need to customize your Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots? Here are ingredient swaps to suit dietary needs or preferences while maintaining keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free qualities:
- Cauliflower: Substitute with broccoli florets for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Egg: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested) for a vegan version; expect a slightly different texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Replace with dairy-free cheese shreds or nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free or vegan-friendly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Omit or substitute with vegan parmesan or add more almond flour to maintain a dairy-free option.
- Almond Flour: Swap with coconut flour (start with 2 tablespoons) which absorbs more moisture, or use crushed pork rinds for a higher-protein keto binder.
- Olive/Avocado Oil Spray: Any neutral oil spray like coconut or grape seed oil sprays work well for crisping and preventing sticking.
These alternatives help you tailor the snack to vegan, dairy-free, or other dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Storage
Store leftover Air Fryer Keto Cheesy Cauliflower Tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.
Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
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