Air-Fried Cauliflower: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower, giving it a crispy texture and a roasted taste in just a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. This article will teach you how to make delicious air fryer cauliflower with a variety of seasonings and spices.

How to cut cauliflower

Firstly, remove the coarse leaves from the base of the head. Wash the cauliflower head and pat it completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Next, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. You can then remove the core by holding the knife at an angle. The florets will separate on their own, but you can also use your hands or the tip of the knife to help them along.

The aim is to end up with small to medium-sized florets so that the cauliflower cooks evenly. If the florets are too large, they will burn on the outside before they are tender inside.

How to season cauliflower

Seasoning cauliflower is a great way to enhance its natural flavour and bring out its sweetness. There are many ways to season cauliflower, and you can use a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season cauliflower:

Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by removing the coarse leaves and any excess parts of the stem. Cut the cauliflower into small- to medium-sized florets. You can do this by slicing the head in half vertically and then removing the core at an angle. Aim for uniform-sized florets to ensure even cooking.

2 Place in a Bowl and Drizzle with Oil: Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with oil olive oil or avocado oil. Using your hands or a spoon, toss the florets to ensure they are well coated with oil.

• Add Your Favourite Seasonings: Now it's time to add your choice of seasonings! You can go with a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cumin, oregano, ground mustard, cayenne, or chilli powder. You can also try homemade seasoning mixes like fajita or taco seasoning.
• Toss to Coat: Once you've added your chosen seasonings, toss the florets again to ensure they are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly.
• Air Fry: After seasoning, follow the instructions on your air fryer to cook the cauliflower. Typically, you'll place the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at around 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favourite flavour combinations!

How to air fry cauliflower

Ingredients

To make air fryer cauliflower, you'll need:

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• Olive oil (or peanut, avocado, or corn oil)
• Spices (such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Method

• First, cut the cauliflower into small- to medium-sized florets. Remove the leaves and stalk, then slice the head in half vertically and remove the core. You can either use your hands to break the florets apart or slice them off with a knife. Aim for evenly sized florets to ensure consistent cooking.
• Drizzle the florets with olive oil and toss to coat. You'll need enough oil to ensure the florets get crispy, but you can use less if you prefer.
• Add your chosen spices and toss again to coat the florets evenly. You can also add lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F (190-200°C).
• Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 9-15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy. For softer cauliflower, cook for an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the florets as they can burn easily.
• Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, you can bread the florets before air frying. Dip them in a beaten egg, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs mixed with your chosen spices.
• If you're short on time, you can cook frozen cauliflower florets in the air fryer. There's no need to thaw them first; simply season and cook directly from frozen.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try curry powder, cumin, coriander, chili powder, or even a fajita or taco seasoning blend.

How to store and reheat cauliflower

Storing cauliflower correctly is essential to preserving its texture and flavour. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat cauliflower:

Storing Cauliflower:

• Cauliflower is a hardy vegetable that can last about 7 to 10 days in the fridge if stored correctly.
• Store cauliflower in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
• Keep the cauliflower intact or cut it into florets. Whole cauliflower lasts longer but takes up more space.
• Remove any original store shrink-wrapping, and place the head in a loose bag with openings or perforations to allow moisture to escape.
• Ensure the stem side faces upwards to prevent moisture build-up on the florets.
• Pre-cut florets should also be stored in a bag with holes poked in it for airflow.
• You can also place dry paper towels in the bag to absorb excess moisture.

Reheating Cauliflower:

• Reheating cauliflower in a cast-iron skillet is a great way to retain its flavour and texture.
• Heat some olive oil or butter in the pan first, then add the cauliflower.
• You can also add more seasonings to enhance the flavour.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is perfectly cooked to your taste.
• Alternatively, you can reheat cauliflower in the microwave, oven, or a non-stick frying pan.
• If you have an air fryer, you can also reheat cauliflower in it; it will take about 5 minutes.

What to serve with air fryer cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas on what to serve with air fryer cauliflower to make a delicious and satisfying meal:

Veggie Burgers or Sandwiches

Air fryer cauliflower can be a tasty addition to veggie burgers or sandwiches. Try pairing it with an Easy Black Bean Burger, a Portobello Mushroom Burger, or BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Dipping Sauces

The crispy texture of air fryer cauliflower makes it perfect for dipping. Serve it with tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, vegan ranch dressing, or even garlic aioli on the side for an extra flavour boost.

Proteins

Air fryer cauliflower is a great side dish to pair with proteins like chicken, beef, seafood, or pork. For chicken lovers, try air fryer chicken breast, crispy chicken legs, or baked whole chicken wings. If you're in the mood for beef, a juicy sirloin steak or burgers are always a good option. For seafood enthusiasts, air fryer cauliflower goes well with air fryer salmon, pan-fried tilapia, or butter poached lobster tails for a fancy date night. And if pork is your preference, air fryer pork chops or a Crock Pot pork tenderloin are delicious options.

Salads and Buddha Bowls

Roasted cauliflower is an excellent addition to salads and Buddha bowls. It adds a nice crunchy texture and pairs well with other ingredients.

Soups

If you're looking for a comforting meal, air fryer cauliflower can be a tasty topping for soups. Try it with a curried cauliflower soup or even a cauliflower soup for a double dose of cauliflower goodness.

Other Air Fryer Veggies

If you're a veggie lover, you can pair your air fryer cauliflower with other air-fried veggies like air fryer broccoli, air fryer onion rings, air fryer zucchini chips, or air fryer asparagus.

Frequently asked questions