Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives
Golden air-fried cauliflower tots packed with sharp cheddar and fresh chives, perfect for a crunchy keto-friendly snack or side. This american-inspired snacks (keto, low carb) ready in about 27 minutes turns (about 300g) cauliflower florets, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, large egg into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (about 300g) cauliflower florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- as needed coconut oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Steam 3 cups cauliflower florets until very tender, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture until mostly dry.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mash the cauliflower with 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 18 small tots, about 1.5 inches long each. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and spray the basket lightly with coconut oil spray.
- Step 4: Arrange tots in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Air-Fried Cauliflower Tots with Cheddar and Chives keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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