Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower: The Secret To Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture and bringing out its natural sweetness. The key to achieving this crispiness is to coat the florets in a light breading or seasoning mix before air frying. This can include spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, turmeric, and cumin, as well as breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or panko. The air fryer's intense direct heat helps to create a beautiful crust and cooks the cauliflower quickly and easily.

How to Make Cauliflower Crispy in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right cauliflower

Check for Freshness:

Look for a head of cauliflower that is free from any blemishes, dark spots, or bruises. The florets should be tightly packed and compact, with good green leaves that are not wilted or discoloured.

Weight and Colour:

A fresh cauliflower should feel heavy for its size. It should have a nice, creamy white colour. Avoid any heads that look dull or discoloured.

Smell:

Give the cauliflower a quick sniff. It should smell fresh and pleasant, with no overwhelming or pungent odours.

Firmness:

The cauliflower should feel firm to the touch. The florets should be tightly closed and not starting to open or spread apart.

Size:

Select a cauliflower that is the right size for your needs. If you are feeding a large group, opt for a larger head. For a smaller gathering, a medium-sized cauliflower will do.

Leaves and Stem:

The leaves of the cauliflower should look fresh and green. Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem, but don't discard them! You can roast the leaves as a side dish or freeze the stems for use in smoothies, soups, or stir-fries.

Nugget-Sized Florets:

When cutting your cauliflower, aim for nugget-sized florets that can be enjoyed in one or two bites. This ensures that your cauliflower cooks evenly and results in a satisfying bite-sized treat.

By choosing a fresh, firm, and well-formed head of cauliflower, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy air fryer cauliflower that your family and friends will love!

Preparing the cauliflower

Next, cut away the leaves and any excess parts of the stem. You can do this by inserting a knife just outside the cauliflower stem and cutting around it. Then, cut the florets into small to medium-sized pieces. You can either cut them with a knife or break them apart by hand. Aim for pieces that can be eaten in one or two bites.

Now it's time to season the cauliflower. You can use a variety of spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, turmeric, cumin, oregano, ground mustard, and black pepper. Mix all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.

Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or vegetable oil. Toss well to ensure all the florets are coated. Then, add the seasoning mix and toss again to coat evenly.

Your cauliflower is now ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Seasoning the cauliflower

Firstly, prepare your cauliflower by cutting it into small to medium-sized florets. This step ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Place the florets in a bowl for easy seasoning.

Now, it's time to choose your seasonings. You can go with a simple option like olive oil, salt, and pepper, or create a more complex blend. For a savoury blend, try smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. You can also add an egg to help the seasoning stick to the florets. If you're feeling adventurous, try turmeric, cumin, coriander, or nutritional yeast for an extra kick of flavour.

For a truly unique flavour profile, make a batter by combining sweet smoked paprika, cumin, garlic granules, flour, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Toss the florets in this batter before air frying for a delicious coating.

Once you've selected your seasonings, drizzle the olive oil (or oil of your choice) over the florets and toss them until they're well coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure an even coating.

If you're using a simple oil and spice blend, you can add the spices directly to the bowl of florets and toss to coat. However, if you're using a more complex blend or a batter, you may need to mix the spices separately before applying them to the cauliflower.

After your florets are seasoned to perfection, they're ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and cook in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Enjoy!

Cooking the cauliflower

Now that you have your cauliflower florets, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your breading mixture (optional): If you want to add a crispy breading to your cauliflower, prepare a breading station. In one bowl, whisk an egg. In a separate shallow dish, mix together your chosen breadcrumbs and spices. Common spices used include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, turmeric, cumin, oregano, and ground mustard. You can also add nutritional yeast and arrowroot starch for extra flavour and crispiness.
• Bread the cauliflower (optional): Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg wash, then roll it in the breading mixture until fully coated. Repeat this process until all your florets are breaded.
• Add oil and seasonings: If you're not using a breading, this is the step where you'll add your seasonings and oil. Drizzle or toss your florets with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. Then, sprinkle on your desired seasonings. You can use a blend of spices, or keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes suggest cooking cauliflower in an air fryer between 370°F and 400°F.
• Arrange the florets in the air fryer: Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave a little space between each floret to allow for even cooking and crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cauliflower in batches.
• Air fry: Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for 7-12 minutes at 370°F to 400°F. For breaded cauliflower, cook for closer to 12 minutes. For unbreaded cauliflower, check the florets after 7 minutes to ensure they don't burn. Flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Serve immediately: Cauliflower is best served fresh out of the air fryer while it's still warm and crispy. Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. You can serve it with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch.

Serving the cauliflower

This air-fried cauliflower is best served warm and straight out of the fryer. It can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. If you're serving it as a side, it goes well with any protein, such as chicken or pork chops. It's also great with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch.

If you're serving it as an appetizer, it goes well with a spicy blue cheese dip. To make this, simply stir together 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, and add a pinch of ground black pepper.

You can also serve the cauliflower with other side dishes, such as:

• Buddha bowls
• Salads
• Soups
• Burgers or sandwiches

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to present the cauliflower, try serving it with some toothpicks and a variety of dips. This will allow your guests to try different flavor combinations and interact with the food in a new way.

Finally, if you have any leftovers, don't worry – they'll keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat in the air fryer or microwave when you're ready to enjoy them again!

Frequently asked questions