Cauliflower Meatballs in Air Fryer

Cauliflower meatballs in air fryer, a tasty, light, and irresistible recipe to bring a healthy and delicious dish to the table.

Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course, these crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside meatballs are a great alternative to traditional meatballs. Thanks to air fryer cooking, you can achieve a golden and flavorful result even without oil, making them ideal for those who want a lighter dish without sacrificing taste.

You can serve them alone or accompany them with a light sauce, like yogurt mayonnaise or yogurt and herb sauce, for an even fresher and more enjoyable touch.
This recipe is perfect for getting even the little ones to eat vegetables, thanks to its soft texture and delicate flavor. Additionally, the cauliflower meatballs can be prepared in advance and reheated as needed, making them a practical solution for quick lunches and dinners.

At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Other recipes you might like:

Cauliflower Meatballs in Air Fryer
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Cheap
  • Preparation time: 20 Minutes
  • Portions: 16 Pieces
  • Cooking methods: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
34.60 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 34.60 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 3.33 (g) of which sugars 0.84 (g)
  • Proteins 2.46 (g)
  • Fat 1.48 (g) of which saturated 0.85 (g)of which unsaturated 0.58 (g)
  • Fibers 0.87 (g)
  • Sodium 73.06 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 1 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients for Cauliflower Meatballs

  • 1 cauliflower
  • 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • Half tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch nutmeg

Tools

  • Bowl
  • Air Fryer
  • Spoon
  • Ice Cream Scoop

Recipe for Cauliflower Meatballs

  • Start the preparation of cauliflower meatballs in the air fryer by taking care of the vegetable.
    After cleaning the cauliflower and cutting it into florets, cook it in boiling water or steam for about fifteen minutes.

  • Drain it, transfer it to a bowl, and let it cool.
    Chop it finely by hand with a knife or in a chopper, being careful not to make it a puree.

  • Season the chopped cauliflower with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg.
    Mix with a spoon to distribute the seasoning well.

  • Continue by adding the grated Parmesan.
    If you like, you can also use Pecorino cheese, starting with less salt.

  • Beat a medium-sized egg and add it to the cauliflower.
    Mix with the spoon until you get a fairly sticky mixture.

  • Finally, dry the mixture with 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.

  • Form the meatballs: take a spoonful of the mixture (to make them more or less the same size, you can use an ice cream scoop) and work it between your hands until it forms a round shape.
    Continue in the same way until all the mixture is used up.

  • Place the meatballs in the basket of the air fryer and cook them at 356°F for 15-20 minutes or until they are well browned.
    Serve the cauliflower meatballs in the air fryer hot, accompanied by a sauce of your choice.

  • Cauliflower Meatballs in Air Fryer

Cauliflower Meatballs in Air Fryer

Please refer to this section to clear any doubts, if you do not find the answer to your question comment or write to me using the form below.

Also try Cabbage and Potato Meatballs

FAQ (Questions and Answers)

  • Can I prepare the cauliflower meatballs in advance?

    Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking the meatballs. Alternatively, you can freeze them already cooked and reheat them in the air fryer when serving.

  • Can I cook the cauliflower meatballs in the oven?

    Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a static oven at 392°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for an even browning.

  • Can I replace the egg in the recipe?

    Sure! For an egg-free version, you can use 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, or some potato puree to better bind the mixture.

You can find all the recipes made with the air fryer in the section Recipes for Air Fryer
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:

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lydiaincucina

Lydia in the Kitchen is my space dedicated to the passion for food, where I share simple, seasonal, and creative recipes. I love experimenting without preconceptions, alternating traditional dishes with original ideas, both sweet and savory, with special attention to conviviality and the pleasure of being at the table.

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