Air-Fryer Cauliflower: A Healthy, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture and a subtly spiced and smoky taste. It's a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish or snack, and it goes well with many different meals. You can also use frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, but it's important to make sure it's completely thawed first to avoid a mushy texture.

How to cut cauliflower

Step 1: Remove the leaves

First, remove any coarse leaves from the base of the cauliflower head. You can use your hands to do this, or a paring knife.

Step 2: Cut the cauliflower in half

Using a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower head in half, vertically.

Step 3: Cut the cauliflower into quarters

Lay the two halves cut-side down on the cutting board and cut them vertically again, so that you are left with four pieces.

Step 4: Remove the core

Cut out the central core from each quarter. You can do this by holding the knife at an angle. The core can be eaten, so don't throw it away!

Step 5: Break the cauliflower into florets

Using your hands, break the large pieces of cauliflower into smaller florets. You can also use the tip of the knife to separate them. For smaller florets, use a knife to cut each floret into smaller portions.

Step 6: Size the florets

If you have any large florets, cut them in half or into thirds, so that they are roughly the same size. This will ensure they cook evenly.

How to season cauliflower

Seasoning cauliflower is a simple process. First, cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the florets and add your desired spices. Toss the florets so that they are well coated in the seasoning.

You can use a variety of spices to season cauliflower. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are popular choices. You can also add spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, onion powder, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Get creative and experiment with different spice blends like Za'atar, Cajun seasoning, or taco seasoning.

You can also try coating the florets in a mixture of parmesan and breadcrumbs for a delicious, crispy version. Another option is to marinate the cauliflower in olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper before air frying.

How to air fry cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a tasty, quick, and easy side dish or snack. It's also a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways, such as in salads, bowls, or as a replacement for meat in popular dishes.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper)
• Egg (optional)
• Panko bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions

First, wash the cauliflower and cut it into small to medium-sized florets. Remove the leaves and any excess parts of the stem. You can do this by inserting a knife just outside the stem and cutting around it. Then, cut or break the florets into bite-sized pieces.

Next, place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Add your desired spices and toss until the florets are well coated. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help the coating stick better. If you're using panko bread crumbs, dip each floret in the egg, then roll it in the panko mixture.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. Set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Your air-fried cauliflower is now ready to be served and enjoyed! It can be served as a side dish, snack, or even added to salads or bowls.

Tips

• Don't skip the oil, as it helps the cauliflower get crispy and brown.
• Work in batches if your air fryer basket is too crowded.
• Check the cauliflower frequently to avoid overcooking or burning.
• If using frozen cauliflower, season it while still frozen and cook directly from frozen to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• If you're using fresh cauliflower, wash it after cutting the florets to ensure all dirt and debris are removed.
• For an extra crispy coating, use panko bread crumbs.

Can you use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can cook frozen cauliflower in an air fryer. In fact, it is recommended that you cook frozen vegetables from frozen to get the best texture—if you defrost them first, they may become soggy.

To cook frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer according to its default settings. Then, combine the frozen cauliflower florets with olive oil and your desired seasonings in a large bowl. Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they don't overlap too much.

Air fry the cauliflower for 8-10 minutes at 400°F (204°C), then shake the basket and cook for another 6-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. You can serve the cauliflower warm, garnished with fresh parsley, or enjoy it cold.

Some seasoning suggestions include:

• Coarse sea salt
• Ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion granules
• Smoked paprika
• Sweet paprika
• Curry powder
• Cajun seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

How long to cook cauliflower for

How Long to Cook Cauliflower in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for cauliflower in an air fryer depends on the desired texture and the size of the florets. Smaller florets will cook faster and yield crispier edges. Aim for uniform-sized florets to ensure even cooking.

For crisp-tender cauliflower with browned edges, cook the florets in the air fryer for 7 to 15 minutes at 380–400°F (193–200°C). Shake the basket halfway through cooking and check for doneness after 10 to 12 minutes.

If you prefer softer cauliflower, cook it for a few minutes longer. For example, one source recommends cooking for an additional 5 minutes if you want the cauliflower softer after the initial 15 minutes at 400°F.

When cooking cauliflower in an air fryer, it's important not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring a single layer of florets with a little space between them. This promotes even cooking and browning.

Frequently asked questions