Air-Fryer Cauliflower: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture and a roasted taste in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. You can use frozen or fresh cauliflower, but it's important to cut it into evenly-sized florets to ensure it cooks properly. You can also add a variety of seasonings to enhance the flavour, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.

How to cut cauliflower for the air fryer

Step 1: Wash the cauliflower

Give the cauliflower a good wash to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Remove the leaves and slice the stalk

Slice off the stalk so the cauliflower can sit flat on your counter. You can use a chef's knife to do this. Remove any coarse leaves from the base of the head.

Step 3: Cut the cauliflower in half

Using your knife, slice the cauliflower head in half vertically.

Step 4: Remove the core

Hold your knife at an angle and remove the core. The florets will naturally separate, or you can use the tip of the knife to help them along.

Step 5: Break the florets into small to medium-sized pieces

Depending on your recipe, you can use your hands to break the florets into smaller pieces, or slice them off the core. Aim for small to medium-sized florets so that the cauliflower cooks evenly and gets crispy in the air fryer.

Tips:

• Don't throw away the stems and leaves! You can add them to smoothies, soups, stir-fries or stews.
• Soak the florets in water for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
• For uniform cooking, ensure your florets are all roughly the same size.
• For crispier cauliflower, cut the florets smaller.

How to season cauliflower for the air fryer

Yes, you can put cauliflower in an air fryer. Here is how to season it:

First, prepare the cauliflower by removing any leaves and washing the head. Then, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Using a chef’s knife, cut off the stalk so the cauliflower can sit flat on your counter. Slice it in half vertically, then remove the core by holding the knife at an angle. The florets will then separate on their own, or you can use the tip of the knife to separate them.

Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use avocado or corn oil. Then, add your chosen seasonings and toss the florets so they are well coated. You can use any seasonings you like, but smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are popular choices.

Alternatively, for a crispy coating, dip the florets in a beaten egg, then roll them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. Drizzle with olive oil before placing in the air fryer.

How to air fry cauliflower

Ingredients

To make air fryer cauliflower, you will need:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of oregano (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (193-200°C) for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your cauliflower by cutting the head into small or medium-sized florets. You can also add the stem and leaves to the air fryer, or save them for use in another recipe.

Next, in a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, and any spices and seasonings you wish to include. Make sure the florets are well coated.

Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the cauliflower to the air fryer basket, ensuring the florets are in a single layer with a little space between each one. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Air fry the cauliflower for 9-15 minutes at 380-400°F (193-200°C), shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower is ready when it is tender and slightly crispy, with a golden brown colour.

Tips

• For a crispier texture, cut the florets into smaller pieces.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
• Check the cauliflower regularly to avoid burning.
• You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• For an extra crispy coating, dip the florets in egg and roll them in panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Frozen cauliflower can be used, but it is best to thaw it first to avoid a mushy texture.

Enjoy your air fryer cauliflower as a side dish or snack!

Can you use frozen cauliflower in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower in the air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to cook this vegetable, and it can be a delicious snack or side dish.

To cook frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, first, take your desired amount of frozen cauliflower florets and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and your choice of seasonings—for example, smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure each floret is fully coated.

Next, spread the florets out evenly in the air fryer basket, trying not to overcrowd it. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through. The cauliflower is ready when it is golden and crispy.

You can serve air-fried frozen cauliflower as a snack with a dip or as a side dish with a protein. It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for 5–10 minutes to regain crispiness.

A couple of tips for cooking frozen cauliflower in an air fryer: avoid thawing the cauliflower before cooking, as this can lead to a "mushy" texture. Also, ensure that the florets are spread out evenly in the basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness.

How do you know when cauliflower is cooked in the air fryer?

Air-fried cauliflower should be tender and slightly crispy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and your desired texture. Check on the cauliflower at the 10-12 minute mark and assess how much more time it needs. If you want softer cauliflower, cook it for an additional 5 minutes.

Cauliflower is done in the air fryer when it reaches your desired level of crispiness. However, it can burn easily, so it's important to keep an eye on it and check it frequently. Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even browning.

The size of your florets will impact the cooking time. Smaller florets will cook faster and result in more crispy edges. If you prefer the tender inside, cut the florets larger.

When the air fryer cauliflower is done, it should be a rich, golden colour. The florets will be tender, with browned, crispy, slightly caramelized edges.

Tips for cooking cauliflower in the air fryer:

• Cut uniform florets to ensure even cooking.
• Don't crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Use fresh or frozen cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower can be cooked directly from frozen to prevent it from becoming overly soft and mushy.

Frequently asked questions