Roasting Cauliflower In An Air Fryer: Easy, Quick, Delicious!

Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. The air fryer cooks the vegetable to a perfect crisp on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside, without the need for excessive oil. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a tasty and nutritious snack or side ready in no time.

How to cut cauliflower

• Remove the leaves and wash the cauliflower head. Dry it using a clean kitchen or paper towel.
• Using a chef's knife, cut off the cauliflower stalk so that it can sit flat on the counter.
• Slice the cauliflower in half vertically.
• Remove the core by holding the knife at an angle. The florets will separate on their own, or you can use the tip of the knife to separate them.
• Cut the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Smaller florets will result in more crispy edges, while larger florets will have a more tender inside.
• If you want nugget-sized chunks, cut the florets into pieces about 1-2 inches in size.

Remember to cut the cauliflower into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different sizes to find your preferred balance of crispy edges and tender insides!

How to season cauliflower

Seasoning cauliflower is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your taste preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season cauliflower:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by removing the leaves and cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also cut the cauliflower into smaller pieces if you prefer more crispy edges. Place the florets in a large bowl, as it will make seasoning easier.

Step 2: Drizzle with Oil

Add olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice to the bowl of cauliflower florets. The oil will help the cauliflower crisp up during cooking and enhance the flavour of the seasonings.

Step 3: Season Generously

Now it's time to add your favourite seasonings! You can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and ground mustard. You can also try a specific flavour profile like Mexican, Ranch, Buffalo, or Italian. For a Mexican flavour, use cumin, chili powder, garlic, taco seasoning, or fajita seasoning. For Ranch, cover the cauliflower in ranch seasoning and serve with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. For Buffalo, toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. And for Italian, try olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Toss to Coat

After adding your chosen oil and seasonings, use your hands or a pair of tongs to toss the cauliflower florets until they are evenly coated. Make sure all the florets are well-coated for the best flavour and texture.

Step 5: Add Additional Ingredients (Optional)

At this point, you can add some additional ingredients to enhance the flavour of your cauliflower. You can add minced garlic or grated parmesan cheese, giving the cauliflower a nice garlic parmesan flavour.

Step 6: Cook and Serve

Once your cauliflower is seasoned and coated, it's time to cook it! You can use an air fryer, oven, or even a stovetop, following your preferred recipe. Serve your cooked cauliflower as a side dish, in a salad, or enjoy it as a healthy snack!

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous and ensure all the florets are well-coated. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and flavours to find your favourite combinations!

How to air fry cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a tasty, healthy, and quick side dish that goes well with many meals. Here is a simple recipe to make it.

Ingredients

You will need:

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado/corn oil)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and wash the head. Dry it with a clean kitchen or paper towel.
• Using a chef's knife, cut off the cauliflower stalk and then slice the head in half vertically. Remove the core and separate the florets.
• Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Add your seasonings. Toss the florets well to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned florets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for around 15 minutes, flipping the florets every 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they can burn easily. Check and shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even roasting.
• Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer and serve.

Tips:

• You can use frozen cauliflower florets, but ensure they are completely thawed first.
• For more charred, crispy edges, cut the florets into smaller pieces.
• For a stronger garlic flavour, add fresh garlic cloves halfway through cooking.
• For a more indulgent dish, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the florets halfway through cooking.
• For a Mexican twist, season with cumin, chili powder, taco or fajita seasoning.
• For a Ranch flavour, cover the florets in ranch seasoning and serve with cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
• For a Buffalo flavour, toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, air-fried cauliflower!

How to store leftover cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be made in an air fryer. If you have leftovers, follow these steps to store them properly.

Firstly, it is important to refrigerate the leftover cauliflower within two hours of cooking. To store leftover cauliflower in the fridge, place it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to keep the cauliflower stem-end up to prevent condensation from forming on the head. Alternatively, you can store it in a loosely closed or perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator, with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Leftover cauliflower will generally stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. However, if you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. To do this, place the cauliflower in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap. Frozen cauliflower will maintain its quality for 10 to 12 months but will remain safe to eat even after that time.

When reheating leftover cauliflower, avoid using the microwave, as this will make it lose its crispy texture. Instead, reheat it in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or until crunchy and warm, or use a stovetop for best results.

What to serve with cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cauliflower:

Proteins

Cauliflower can be served as a side dish with any type of protein. Some specific examples include:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Lamb chops
• Chicken thighs
• Burgers
• Wraps
• Bacon
• Tofu
• Vegan meat alternatives

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are also a great option to serve with cauliflower. Some examples include:

• Rice (especially wild rice or lemon herb quinoa)
• Potato rosti
• Mashed potatoes
• Potato wedges
• Sweet potato fries
• Bread (a simple piece of bread and butter, garlic bread, or herbed focaccia)
• Polenta fries

Vegetables

Cauliflower can be served with a variety of other vegetables. Some options include:

• Blooming onion
• Mushrooms (sautéed or stuffed)
• Asparagus
• Broccoli (steamed or in a salad)
• Green beans
• Spinach and strawberry salad
• Avocado salsa
• Butternut squash
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Zucchini noodles
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
• Spiced roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, red onion, Brussels sprouts)

Dairy

Dairy products can also be a great complement to cauliflower. Some ideas include:

• Cheese (grated parmesan, cheddar cheese, or cauliflower cheese)
• Yogurt

Sauces and Seasonings

Finally, here are some sauces and seasonings that can enhance the flavour of cauliflower:

• Olive oil
• Paprika (smoked or regular)
• Turmeric
• Garlic (powder or cloves)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Chimichurri sauce
• Pesto
• Vinaigrette

Frequently asked questions