Air-Frying Cauliflower: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook cauliflower, offering a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. With just a handful of ingredients and a fraction of the oil, you can create a delicious and crispy side dish that pairs well with any main course. The versatility of this cooking method allows you to season your cauliflower to perfection, accommodating various dietary needs and personal preferences. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, air-fried cauliflower is a convenient and tasty option that can be prepared in just 15 minutes!

Seasoning and spices

A simple yet effective seasoning blend can be made by whisking together panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. This blend offers a subtly spiced and smoky taste that pairs well with the cauliflower. For a more pronounced spice profile, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chilli powder.

If you're looking for a more exotic flavour, try using a curry powder blend. You can make your own by mixing coriander, cumin, and turmeric, or you can use a store-bought blend. This seasoning gives the cauliflower a vibrant, savoury taste. Additionally, you can experiment with spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic powder, or even create your own homemade seasoning blends, such as fajita or taco seasoning.

For a tangy and zesty kick, lemon juice is a great addition to the seasoning blend. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note to the dish. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese halfway through the cooking process for a sharp, savoury flavour.

When it comes to spices and seasonings, the possibilities are endless. You can customise your air-fried cauliflower by experimenting with different combinations of spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavour.

Oil and lemon juice

Yes, you can cook cauliflower in an air fryer. It's a fast weeknight side dish that can be cooked in just a fraction of the oil you'd normally use. The air fryer helps to circulate heat more evenly, making the cauliflower crispier than traditional roasted cauliflower.

When cooking cauliflower in an air fryer, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or corn oil. The oil helps the cauliflower to crisp up. You can also add lemon juice to the cauliflower before or after cooking. Lemon juice adds a nice, bright flavor to the dish.

To prepare the cauliflower, cut the head into evenly-sized florets. Make sure to cut any large pieces down into smaller florets so that they cook quickly and evenly. You want the pieces to be roughly the same size for the most even cooking.

Next, toss the cauliflower with oil and seasonings. You can use a combination of oil and water to ensure tender and crisp florets. A ratio of 1 tablespoon of oil to 1 pound of cauliflower is a good guideline. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. If they're too crowded, they'll steam and won't crisp up.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket to turn the cauliflower, and cook for another 10 minutes. The cauliflower is ready when the florets are tender and the edges are browned.

Finally, finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve with a dipping sauce on the side. You can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor.

Reheating and storing

When storing air-fried cauliflower, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To prevent the florets from sticking together, spread them out on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and freeze them before transferring them to a ziplock bag.

When reheating, you can use an air fryer or a microwave. Reheating in the air fryer at 320-350°F (160-177°C) for 2-3 minutes will yield the best results, giving you a crisp texture. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but the texture will be softer and mushier. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture without the need for deep-frying in oil. Here are some tips and settings to consider for the best results:

Firstly, ensure your cauliflower florets are cut into uniform, small-to-medium-sized pieces. Smaller florets will result in crispier edges, while larger florets will have a more tender inside. Aim for a consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Before cooking, season your cauliflower florets. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as olive oil, avocado oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss the florets in a large bowl with your chosen seasonings until they are well coated.

When you are ready to cook, place the seasoned cauliflower into the air fryer basket or tray. It is important to arrange the florets in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This prevents steaming and ensures even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Set the temperature of your air fryer to between 390°F (200°C) and 400°F (204°C). The cooking time will vary depending on your preferred level of doneness, but generally, it should take around 12 to 15 minutes for the cauliflower to be tender and slightly crispy.

During the cooking process, remember to shake or stir the cauliflower every few minutes to prevent burning and achieve even browning. Keep a close eye on the cauliflower, as it can burn easily, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the cauliflower is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or added to salads, bowls, or even breakfast hash.

Cutting and preparation

To prepare cauliflower for cooking in an air fryer, start by removing the coarse leaves from the base of the head. Next, use a sharp chef's knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. From there, use your hands to break apart the florets into small to medium-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate.

If you want to add a crispy coating to your cauliflower, you can dredge the florets in a mixture of egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. Use one hand to dunk the florets in the egg wash and transfer them to the panko mixture, then use the other hand to sprinkle them with the crispy coating. You can also add seasonings to the panko mixture for extra flavor. Some popular seasoning options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and cayenne.

If you're using frozen cauliflower, it's best to season it while it's still frozen and then proceed with the recipe. Cooking directly from frozen will help prevent the cauliflower from becoming overly soft and mushy. However, if you're using fresh cauliflower, it's a good idea to soak the florets in water for about 10 to 15 minutes to remove any dirt or debris.

Once your cauliflower florets are prepared and seasoned to your liking, you can arrange them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Frequently asked questions