Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy cauliflower in just a few minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your florets, but generally, it should take around 15 minutes at 390°F to 400°F. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How to cut cauliflower

Step 1: Remove the leaves

Using a paring knife, trim away any coarse leaves from around the base of the cauliflower.

Step 2: Cut the head into quarters

Using a chef's knife, cut the head of cauliflower in half vertically, then cut each half into two quarters.

Step 3: Remove the core

Lay one quarter of the cauliflower on a cutting board and angle your knife to cut out the core. Repeat with the remaining quarters. The core can be cut up and used in recipes, or peeled and sliced for snacks.

Step 4: Break apart the florets

Using your hands and/or a knife, break off large florets following their natural divisions. For smaller florets, use a knife to cut each floret into smaller portions. Aim for small to medium-sized pieces so that the cauliflower cooks evenly.

Step 5: Season and cook

Your cauliflower is now ready to be seasoned and cooked according to your recipe. Enjoy!

How to season cauliflower

Now that you know how long to make crispy cauliflower in an air fryer, let's get into the details of seasoning.

The first step to achieving perfectly seasoned cauliflower is to cut the head of cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil (or avocado/corn oil). Then, it's time to add your favourite seasonings! You can go with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try something more adventurous like turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even curry powder.

For an extra crispy texture, you can coat the florets in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and your chosen seasonings before air frying. This will give your cauliflower an irresistible crunch.

If you're feeling creative, you can also try these flavour combinations:

• Garlic Parmesan: Add minced garlic and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese halfway through cooking.
• Curry Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder to your seasonings.
• Chili Lime: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice and add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
• Buffalo Sauce: Toss the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dressing.
• Cheesy Sauce: Use a cheese sauce as a dip or coating.

So, there you have it! You're now equipped with the knowledge to create delicious, crispy, and seasoned cauliflower in your air fryer. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and textures, and don't be afraid to get creative with your combinations. Happy cooking!

How long to air fry cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a tasty, healthy treat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets, the temperature of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness.

Preparation

Before air-frying, the cauliflower should be cut into florets, with the leaves and stems removed. The florets should be bite-sized, around 1-2 inches in length. Some recipes also call for the florets to be coated in a mixture of olive oil and spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Most recipes recommend cooking the cauliflower at a temperature between 370°F and 400°F. At this temperature, the cauliflower will need to cook for around 15 minutes to achieve a tender texture with crispy edges. It is important to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to check regularly to avoid burning. Depending on the desired level of crispness, the cauliflower may be cooked for an additional 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried cauliflower is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of proteins, such as chicken, beef, or fish. It can also be served as a snack, dipped in sauces such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch.

How to store air-fried cauliflower

Storing and reheating air-fried cauliflower is a simple process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Storing Air-Fried Cauliflower:

• Place the leftover cauliflower in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for 2-4 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Cauliflower:

• For the best results, use an air fryer set to 300-350°F (149-177°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use an oven to reheat, but this may affect the texture.
• If convenience is a priority, a microwave can also be used, but again, the texture may suffer.

Freezing Air-Fried Cauliflower:

• Spread the cauliflower on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Frozen cauliflower will keep for up to 3 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.

Repurposing Air-Fried Cauliflower:

Instead of reheating, you can repurpose leftover cauliflower for other dishes to vary your meals:

• Roasted cauliflower salad
• Stir-fry with vegetables
• Cauliflower soup
• Chicken bacon ranch casserole

What to serve with air-fried cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or snack and pairs well with various main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried cauliflower:

Dipping Sauces

Air-fried cauliflower can be served with various dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, vegan ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. These sauces add extra flavour and moisture to the crispy cauliflower.

Burgers and Sandwiches

The crispy texture and savoury flavour of air-fried cauliflower make it an excellent side dish for veggie burgers or sandwiches. It pairs well with easy black bean burgers, portobello mushroom burgers, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches.

Main Courses

Air-fried cauliflower is a versatile side dish that can accompany various main courses:

• Chicken: Air-fried cauliflower can be served with air fryer chicken breast, chicken legs, lemon garlic chicken, crispy chicken legs, Mediterranean chicken, or baked chicken wings.
• Beef: Try it with a juicy sirloin steak, air fryer steak, or burgers.
• Seafood: Air-fried cauliflower complements seafood dishes like air fryer salmon, pan-fried tilapia, baked haddock, or butter poached lobster tails for a fancier option.
• Pork: Juicy air fryer pork chops or Crock Pot pork tenderloin are excellent choices to serve with air-fried cauliflower.

Salads and Soups

Air-fried cauliflower is also delicious in salads, such as Buddha bowls, or added to soups like curried cauliflower soup.

Other Vegetable Sides

If you're looking for a vegetarian meal, pair air-fried cauliflower with other air-fried vegetable sides like air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer zucchini chips, air fryer broccoli, or air fryer onion rings.

With its crispy texture and savoury flavour, air-fried cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you're looking for a snack, side dish, or a vegetarian option, there are plenty of options to choose from!

Frequently asked questions