Air-Fryer Cauliflower: Crispy, Quick, And Healthy Fix!

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower. The vegetable is versatile and can be used in many dishes, from salads to soups. It's also a great low-calorie snack.

Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is simple and quick. All you need is a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to prepare a tasty side dish. The air fryer also gives the cauliflower a fried crisp taste and texture without actually frying it in oil, making it a healthier option.

To make air fryer cauliflower, first cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also season it with a variety of spices, such as smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After tossing the florets in olive oil and your chosen seasonings, place them into the air fryer basket and cook at around 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

So, if you're looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy way to cook cauliflower, an air fryer is a great option!

How to cut cauliflower

• Wash the cauliflower head to remove any dirt or debris.
• Using a paring knife, trim away any leaves from the base of the cauliflower.
• Cut the stalk so that the cauliflower can sit flat on your counter or cutting board.
• Cut the head of the cauliflower in half vertically.
• Place the halves cut-side down and cut them vertically again to create four quarters.
• Cut out the central core from each quarter by holding the knife at an angle. The florets will naturally separate, but you can use the tip of the knife to help them along if needed.
• If you want smaller florets, use a knife to cut each floret into smaller portions. Alternatively, for a more natural division, use a knife to split the branch that holds the buds together, then use your hands to pull the buds apart.

You can also cut cauliflower into "steaks" by keeping the core intact and attached to each steak. Simply trim away any leaves, then cut the cauliflower vertically into slabs about 1/2 to 1 inch thick.

How to season cauliflower

To season cauliflower before air frying, start by washing the cauliflower head and patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Then, cut the cauliflower into florets by slicing off the stalk, cutting the head in half vertically, and removing the core. Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or avocado or corn oil). Toss the florets in the oil until they are well coated, and then add your chosen seasonings.

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour the cauliflower. Some popular options include:

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan and breadcrumbs
• Za'atar spice
• Cajun seasoning

After tossing the florets in the oil and seasonings, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer.

How to air fry cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook this versatile vegetable. It can be used as a side dish, in salads, or even as a snack. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to air fry cauliflower to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and other spices of your choice (e.g. turmeric, cumin, onion powder)
• Optional: lemon juice, egg, panko bread crumbs

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the cauliflower by removing the leaves and cutting the head into florets. You can also cut the florets into smaller, bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
• Wash the cauliflower florets and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil or avocado oil.
• Add your choice of spices to the bowl and toss well to coat the florets evenly. You can also add lemon juice for a bright flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (193-200°C).
• Place the seasoned cauliflower florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the cauliflower for 7-15 minutes, depending on the size of your florets. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even browning and cooking.
• The cauliflower is done when it is tender and browned on the edges. If you prefer it crispier, air fry for a few additional minutes.
• Serve the air-fried cauliflower warm or cold, with a squeeze of lemon juice or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the cauliflower as it can burn easily.
• For frozen cauliflower, ensure it is completely thawed before air frying to avoid a mushy texture.
• For a crispy coating, dip the florets in an egg wash and roll them in panko bread crumbs before air frying.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried cauliflower!

Can you use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower in an air fryer. In fact, it is recommended that you cook frozen vegetables like cauliflower in the air fryer without defrosting them first. This is because cooking from frozen helps to prevent the cauliflower from becoming overly soft and mushy.

To cook frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, first, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, place the frozen cauliflower florets into the basket and spray them with olive oil. Next, season the cauliflower with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and/or paprika. Give the basket a good shake to mix the spices around.

Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then stir and shake the basket. Continue air frying for another 5-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower reaches your desired level of crispiness.

You can also cook frozen broccoli in the same way as frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, as they use similar cooking methods.

What to serve with air fryer cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or snack. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

As a Side Dish

Air fryer cauliflower makes a great side dish for a variety of meals. Its savoury and subtly spiced flavour pairs well with any protein, including chicken, salmon, and tofu. It can also be a tasty addition to veggie burgers or sandwiches. Try serving it with an easy black bean burger, a portobello mushroom burger, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

In a Salad

Air fryer cauliflower is an excellent ingredient to add to salads. Its tender and slightly crispy texture will provide a nice contrast to the freshness of the salad greens and other ingredients. You can also add it to Buddha bowls or breakfast hash for a heartier meal.

As a Snack

Air fryer cauliflower can be enjoyed as a low-calorie snack on its own or with a dipping sauce. Tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, and vegan ranch are all great options to elevate your snack.

In a Soup

Cauliflower, especially when roasted, adds a nice depth of flavour to soups. Try adding it to a curried cauliflower soup for a warm and comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions