Cauliflower Nuggets
on Apr 17, 2024
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Introducing nutritious and delicious snacks to toddlers can sometimes be a challenge, but with recipes like Cauliflower Nuggets, meal time becomes a breeze! These crispy and flavorful nuggets are made with cauliflower, making them a wholesome and satisfying snack option for little ones and the entire family. Let’s dive into how to make them and why they’re perfect for toddlers and families.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups steamed cauliflower
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2-1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Steam the cauliflower until it is tender. Once steamed, transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Press down on the cauliflower to remove excess moisture. This step is important.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the steamed cauliflower, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt and pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Form the cauliflower mixture into nugget shapes using your hands.
- If using an air fryer, arrange the cauliflower nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking.
- If using an oven, place the cauliflower nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the cauliflower nuggets from the air fryer or oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Why Cauliflower Nuggets are Great for Toddlers and Families:
- Hidden Veggies: Cauliflower is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your toddler’s diet. These nuggets are a great way to sneak some extra veggies into their meals without them even noticing.
- Protein-Rich: With the addition of eggs and Parmesan cheese, these cauliflower nuggets provide a good source of protein, helping to keep little tummies full and satisfied.
- Crispy and Delicious: These nuggets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them irresistible to toddlers and adults alike. They’re perfect for dipping in ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, Cauliflower Nuggets are quick and convenient to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
Storage Instructions:
Any leftover Cauliflower Nuggets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy again.
Cauliflower Nuggets
Ingredients
- 2 cups steamed cauliflower, I use microwave to steam bags of cauliflower (riced works great)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2-1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the cauliflower until it is tender. Once steamed, transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Press down on the cauliflower to remove excess moisture. This step is important.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the steamed cauliflower, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt and pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Alternatively, you can use riced cauliflower and don't necessarily need a blender if you don't have one. Just make sure to thoroughly mash the cauliflower.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Form the cauliflower mixture into nugget shapes using your hands.
- If using an air fryer, arrange the cauliflower nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking.If using an oven, place the cauliflower nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the cauliflower nuggets from the air fryer or oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
