Air Fryer Cauliflower: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Cooking frozen cauliflower in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy side dish. All you need is an air fryer, some frozen cauliflower, and your choice of seasonings. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes, and you don't even need to defrost the cauliflower first!

Preheat your air fryer according to its default settings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. To cook frozen cauliflower, you should preheat your air fryer according to its default settings. This is because all air fryers are programmed differently, so it's important to follow the specific instructions for your appliance. For example, some air fryers may have a defrost setting that you can use to preheat the appliance before cooking frozen foods like cauliflower.

When preheating your air fryer, it's important to ensure that the appliance is clean and free of any debris or residue from previous cooking sessions. This will help to ensure that your cauliflower cooks evenly and doesn't pick up any unwanted flavours. It's also a good idea to check that the air fryer basket is properly secured in place before preheating, as this will help to ensure even cooking and prevent any accidents.

The preheating process will vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it's always best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or user manual for specific guidance. In general, however, you will need to set the air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to heat up for a few minutes before adding your food.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with the rest of the cooking process for frozen cauliflower. This typically involves placing the frozen cauliflower in a single layer across the air fryer basket, ensuring that it is not overcrowded, and then air frying at a temperature of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the cauliflower halfway through.

Seasonings to use

When it comes to seasoning your cauliflower, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour. It is recommended to stir the cauliflower with the seasonings to ensure every part is evenly coated before cooking.

Some seasonings you could use include coarse sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion granules, gochugaru flakes (or red pepper flakes), smoked paprika, sweet paprika, curry powder, or cajun seasonings. You could also add fresh parsley as a garnish.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour. You can also change up the oil used to cook the cauliflower, such as avocado oil spray, to add a different flavour profile.

How to spread the cauliflower in the air fryer basket

When spreading the cauliflower in the air fryer basket, make sure to spread it evenly in a single layer. You should also take care not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the cauliflower from crisping up. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the cauliflower in batches.

Before spreading the cauliflower in the basket, make sure to stir it with the seasonings to ensure every part is evenly coated. Once you've spread the cauliflower in the basket, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and air fry for 8 minutes. Then, shake the basket and cook for another 6 minutes until the cauliflower is golden brown.

Air frying time and temperature

After preheating, place the frozen cauliflower in a single layer across the basket. Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Shake the basket or use tongs to turn over the cauliflower, ensuring even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

The total cooking time for frozen cauliflower in an air fryer is typically between 14 and 20 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the cauliflower during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or burning.

For added flavour, consider seasoning the cauliflower with coarse sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion granules, and optional Gochugaru flakes or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as smoked paprika, sweet paprika, curry powder, or Cajun seasonings.

Serving suggestions

Once cooked, serve your crispy cauliflower warm on a plate or in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and gochugaru and garnish with fresh parsley.

You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices. Try coarse sea salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion granules, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, curry powder, or Cajun seasonings.

If you want to change up the oil, you could try avocado oil spray.

Remember not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. If you have a small air fryer, cook the cauliflower in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and goes crispy.

Frequently asked questions