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    Home

    Cauliflower Tater Tots (air fryer!)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Cauliflower Tater Tots are super easy to make. With their crispiness on the outside and cheesiness on the inside, they are sure to be a big hit among all family members.

    Cauliflower tater tots on white plate with barbecue dipping sauce.

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    Cauliflower Tater Tots are a great option to add to a lunchbox. They also pair well with a side of fruit such as cinnamon apples.

    Table of Contents
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • Toddler tip
    • FAQ
    • Recipe
    • Related

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for cauliflower tater tots on white marble background
    • cauliflower florets
    • parmesan cheese
    • cheddar cheese
    • egg
    • panko breadcrumbs
    • onion powder
    • garlic powder
    • olive oil

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Step 1 for cauliflower tater tots. Steaming cauliflower in steam basket.

    Steam cauliflower in a steamer or steam basket until soft.

    Step 2 for cauliflower tater tots - adding all ingredients to a blue bowl and stir to combine.

    Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until well combined.

    Step 3 for cauliflower tater tots - forming into tot shapes.

    Form into tot shapes.

    Step 4 for cauliflower tater tots - putting into air fryer basket to cook.

    Add 1-2 tablespoon olive oil to air fryer basket. Cook in air fryer for 10-12 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

    Hint: When putting the cauliflower tots in the air fryer, try to place them in an even layer and not on top of one another. This will help them crisp up and not stick together.

    Substitutions

    • Gluten free - to make this recipe gluten free, swap in gluten free breadcrumbs for the regular breadcrumbs

    Variations

    • Different veggies - this recipe also works well with sweet potato

    Equipment

    Steamer or steam basket
    Air fryer

    Storage

    You can store these cauliflower tater tots in an air tight container in the fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months and then re-heat in the air fryer or oven when ready to eat.

    Top tip

    To help save time, you could use cauliflower rice that is already packaged and ready to go.

    Toddler tip

    Get your toddler involved by helping form the dough into tots! Just make sure to wash hands thoroughly before and after as there is raw egg in the dough.

    FAQ

    Can I make the cauliflower tater tots egg-free?

    The egg plays an important role in this recipe as it helps bind the ingredients together. You could try a flax-egg but I have not tested this!

    Can I bake these instead of using an air-fryer?

    Yes, you bet. You can bake them on a baking pan at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

    Recipe

    Cauliflower tater tots in wooden toddler bowl with orange fork.

    Cauliflower Tater Tots (in air fryer!)

    These little tater tots are crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They are great as a snack, side dish, or part of a main meal!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: high fiber
    Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Author: Ali Ellis, MSc., RD
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    Equipment

    • 1 Steamer or steam basket
    • 1 air fryer

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups cauliflower florets (steamed)
    • ¾ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
    • ½ cup cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil

    Instructions

    • Steam cauliflower in a steamer or steam basket until soft.
    • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir until well combined.
    • Form the dough into tot shapes (about 1 heaping tbsp).
    • Add olive oil to air fryer. Add tots in a single layer to air fryer basket.
    • Cook in air fryer at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

    Notes

    Try adding a dipping sauce like barbecue, plum or ketchup!

    Save this recipe!

    Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll receive new recipes and feeding tips from me each week!

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • easy toddler bento box lunch ideas with sandwiches, muffins, eggs, and more.
      15+ Easy Toddler Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Daycare and Preschool (By a Dietitian)
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      Homemade Uncrustables (Toddler & Freezer-Friendly)
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      Savoury & Sweet Quinoa Egg Bites (Toddler-Friendly!)
    • Guacamole in a white bowl with a silver spoon.
      Edamame Guacamole Dip For Kids

    More Toddler

    • Black bean cookies for toddlers on polka dot plate.
      Black Bean Brownie Cookies for Toddlers (Flourless & No-Added Sugar)
    • Easy meal ideas for 2 year old toddlers including breakfast, lunches and dinner.
      Toddler Meal Ideas for 2 Year Olds (Plus Free One-Week Toddler Meal Plan)
    • Soft sauteed cinnamon pears for toddlers on polka dot toddler plate
      Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Pears (for Babies and Toddlers)
    • Berry Smoothie Bowl for Toddlers (Thick & Spoon-Friendly)

    Comments

    1. Sarah Peters says

      July 25, 2025 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      Love this veggie alternative to traditional tots!

    2. Kevin says

      July 24, 2025 at 7:51 am

      5 stars
      Yum

    5 from 2 votes

    Hi! I'm Ali.

    Welcome to The Toddler Kitchen, I am so glad you are here! I am a registered dietitian with a master’s of science in health promotion, passionate recipe developer and mama. Feeding kids is hard. It can be stressful.

    Learn more about me →

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