Crispy Cauliflower and Mushroom Bites with Spicy Yogurt Sauce
Cauliflower florets and mushrooms are coated in a light, crispy batter and roasted (or air-fried) until golden brown. Paired with a tangy-spicy yogurt dipping sauce, these bites make a great mezze platter addition, side dish, or healthy snack.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Bites:
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups button mushrooms
½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
2 eggs
Olive oil spray
For the Spicy Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain thick yogurt)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 tsp chili flakes or ½ tsp harissa paste
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Bites
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour + spices, one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs + Parmesan.
Dip cauliflower and mushrooms into flour mixture, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
2. Cook
Oven method: Arrange bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Air fryer method: Place in a single layer, spray with olive oil, and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
3. Make the Spicy Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes/harissa, and paprika.
Adjust spice level and salt to taste.
Chill until serving.
4. Serve
Arrange crispy bites on a platter.
Serve hot with spicy yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes & Tips
Gluten-free option: Use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Extra crunch: Mix crushed cornflakes into the breadcrumb coating.
Mild version: Skip chili in the sauce and use paprika + lemon only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes — coat the veggies, refrigerate for up to 6 hours, then bake/air-fry before serving.
Q: Can I fry instead of bake?
A: Absolutely — shallow fry in olive oil until golden and crispy.
Q: What else pairs with this?
A: Serve with hummus, baba ganoush, or a fresh Mediterranean salad.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 5g