Perfect Roasted Cauliflower: Air Fryer Timing And Techniques

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture without the need for lots of oil. The cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and the desired crispness, but generally, it takes around 15 minutes to cook at 200°C, flipping the florets every 3 minutes. You can also add seasonings such as smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

How to cut cauliflower into florets

To cut cauliflower into florets, start by removing the leaves and stem. You can use your hands to pull the leaves away, or cut them off with a knife. Next, cut away the base of the cauliflower and discard it, or save it to use in another recipe.

With the cauliflower now stable, cut it in half vertically, and then into quarters. You can then break the cauliflower into large florets with your fingers. If your recipe requires smaller florets, simply cut the larger ones down to size. Try to keep them as close to the same size as possible so they cook evenly.

One medium-sized head of cauliflower will yield roughly 3 to 4 cups of florets, or 1 ½ – 2 cups per pound.

How to season cauliflower

To season cauliflower, start by cutting the cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in a bowl so that it's easier to season. Drizzle olive oil over the florets, and add your choice of spices. You can use spices such as turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon juice to the bowl for a bright flavor. Toss the florets so that they are well coated in the seasoning mixture.

You can also try other variations, such as:

• Garlic Parmesan: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic or extra garlic powder halfway through cooking, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Curry Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder with the other seasonings.
• Chili Lime: Swap out lemon juice for lime juice and add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder to the spices.

How to air fry cauliflower

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air fryer cauliflower:

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice (optional)

Preparing the Cauliflower

Start by removing the leaves from the cauliflower and washing the head. Dry it with a clean kitchen or paper towel. Cut off the stalk and slice the head in half vertically. Remove the core and separate the florets. Aim for small to medium-sized florets so that the cauliflower cooks evenly.

Seasoning the Cauliflower

Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add lemon juice if desired. Season with turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the florets to ensure they are well coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to between 380 to 400°F (193 to 200°C). Place the seasoned florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 7 to 15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower is done when it is tender and browned on the edges.

Tips

• Check the cauliflower frequently to prevent burning.
• Smaller florets will result in crispier edges.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• You can use frozen cauliflower florets, but ensure they are completely thawed first.
• For a simple variation, add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic or garlic powder halfway through cooking and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving

Air fryer cauliflower can be served warm or cold. Enjoy it as a snack or side dish. It pairs well with proteins such as chicken, beef, seafood, or pork. For a fun dipping sauce, try garlic aioli, tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch.

How to store leftover cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a great side dish and can be easily made in an air fryer. But what do you do with the leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store leftover cauliflower to keep it fresh and tasty:

Storing Cooked Cauliflower in the Fridge

To maximize the shelf life of cooked cauliflower, it is important to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Store the cauliflower in shallow airtight containers or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Properly stored, cooked cauliflower will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it.

Storing Cooked Cauliflower in the Freezer

To extend the shelf life of cooked cauliflower even further, you can freeze it. Use covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. When properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for 10 to 12 months, but will remain safe to eat beyond that. Cooked cauliflower that has been kept constantly frozen will stay safe indefinitely.

Thawing and Reheating

If you're thawing cooked cauliflower in the fridge, it can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days before cooking. If you thawed it in the microwave or in cold water, it should be eaten immediately. The best way to reheat cauliflower is to use the air fryer again for 2-3 minutes at a temperature of 320-350°F. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may become mushy.

Storing Fresh Cauliflower in the Fridge

When storing fresh, uncooked cauliflower, it can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 to 7 days. Look for a whole head with tightly closed bud clusters and avoid those with loose or crumbly florets. The cauliflower should have a creamy white color with densely packed florets that are free of blemishes, browning, or wet spots. Store it in a loosely closed or perforated plastic bag, stem-end up, to prevent condensation from forming. Be sure to skip washing the cauliflower before storing it.

Storing Fresh Cauliflower in the Freezer

If you want to store fresh cauliflower in the freezer, it requires a few additional steps. First, cut the cauliflower into florets and blanch them in boiling water for three minutes, then plunge them into an ice-water bath. Drain the florets well, then place them on a sheet pan and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cauliflower florets can last 10 to 12 months.

What to serve with air fryer cauliflower

Air fryer 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 air fryer cauliflower to make a delicious and satisfying meal:

• Chicken: Air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken legs, lemon garlic chicken, crispy chicken legs, Mediterranean chicken, or baked whole chicken wings.
• Beef: Sirloin steak, air fryer steak, or burgers.
• Seafood: Air fryer salmon, pan-fried tilapia, baked haddock, or butter poached lobster tails for a fancier option.
• Pork: Air fryer pork chops or Crock Pot pork tenderloin.

In addition, air fryer cauliflower can be served as a snack or appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, ranch dressing, tartar sauce, or chipotle sauce. It also goes well in salads, Buddha bowls, and soups like curried cauliflower soup.

Frequently asked questions