1. Cook the Cauliflower
- Steam or boil cauliflower florets for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Drain and let cool slightly, then use a clean towel to squeeze out excess water. (This is important for crispy tots!)
2. Make the Mixture
- In a food processor, pulse cauliflower, breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the flax egg and chopped parsley.
- Mix until the mixture holds together (it should be slightly sticky but moldable).
3. Shape the Tots
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into a small tater tot shape.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Cook the Tater Tots
✅ Baking Method (Crispy & Oil-Free):
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
✅ Air-Fryer Method (Fast & Extra Crispy):
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tots in a single layer and air-fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
✅ Pan-Frying Method (Golden & Crunchy):
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked tots for up to 2 months. Bake or air-fry straight from frozen!
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for maximum crispiness.
Variants & Add-Ins
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
🧄 Cheesy Flavor: Stir in vegan shredded cheese for extra richness.
🥦 Veggie Mix: Mix in shredded carrots or zucchini for more nutrition.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Substitute with oat flour or almond flour for a grain-free version.
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Just steam and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit nutritional yeast or replace with sunflower seed powder for umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Cauliflower Tater Tots are the perfect guilt-free snack, crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor! Whether you bake, air-fry, or pan-fry, they’re easy, healthy, and 100% delicious.
🍽️ Try them today and let me know your favorite dipping sauce! 🌿🔥
