Air-Fried Cauliflower Patties: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make cauliflower patties, offering a fried taste and texture without the oil. To make them, you'll need to cut a head of cauliflower into florets, add seasonings and/or a breading, and cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes.

Choosing and preparing the cauliflower

Choosing the right cauliflower is the first step to making delicious cauliflower patties in an air fryer. Look for a head of cauliflower that is firm and compact, with tightly closed florets that are free of spots or bruises. The colour should be either creamy white or a vibrant purple, green, or orange, depending on the variety. Avoid cauliflowers with loose or discoloured florets, as these may be past their prime.

Once you've selected the perfect cauliflower, it's time to prepare it. Start by removing any coarse leaves from the base and trimming the stem so that it sits flat on your work surface. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half through the stem. This will make it easier to remove the core, which is the woody central stem. Hold the knife at an angle and carefully cut out the core, taking care not to waste too much of the florets.

With the cauliflower halved and cored, you can now separate it into florets. You can do this by hand, gently pulling the florets apart, or by slicing through the stem with a knife. Aim for small to medium-sized florets, as these will cook more evenly and give you a better texture in your patties. If the florets are too large, they may burn on the outside before cooking through.

Before cooking, give your cauliflower florets a thorough wash in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You can then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. At this stage, you can also trim the florets to ensure they are all uniform in size, which will help them cook at the same rate.

Now your cauliflower is ready to be turned into delicious patties!

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to between 370°F and 400°F. This temperature range will give your cauliflower patties a crispy texture while maintaining tenderness.

Next, prepare the cauliflower florets. Remove any coarse leaves from the base of the cauliflower head. Cut the cauliflower in half vertically, then remove the core. You can do this by holding the knife at an angle and cutting out the tough inner core. Separate the florets into small to medium-sized pieces. This size ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Aim for uniformity in size so that the florets cook at the same rate.

Now, it's time to season your cauliflower. Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the florets well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Once your cauliflower florets are prepared and seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Place the florets in a single layer, ensuring they have a little space between them. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the florets from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the cauliflower in batches.

Finally, set the air fryer timer. For crispy and tender cauliflower patties, cook the florets for 9 to 15 minutes. Check on them every 3 to 5 minutes and shake the basket to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your florets and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Making the seasoning

Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a large bowl and whisk or toss until they are well mixed. You can then add your cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.

Some recipes suggest making a breading station by beating an egg in a separate bowl and placing the panko breadcrumbs and seasoning mixture in a shallow dish. You can then dip each floret first in the egg and then in the breadcrumb mixture to create a crispy coating.

Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations!

Coating the cauliflower

To coat the cauliflower, start by preparing a seasoning blend. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences.

Next, prepare a separate small bowl with a beaten egg. This will act as a binder to help the crispy coating adhere to the cauliflower florets.

Now, you're ready to start coating the cauliflower. Begin by dipping each floret into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Then, roll the egg-coated floret in the panko mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces. Repeat this process until all your cauliflower florets are evenly breaded.

Finally, arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. Drizzle them with olive oil, which will help the cauliflower crisp up and attain a golden-brown colour. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can cause uneven cooking.

Cooking the patties

Now that your cauliflower mixture is ready, it's time to shape them into patties! Use your hands to form the mixture into flat, round shapes. You can make them as big or small as you like, but keep in mind that they will expand slightly during cooking.

Once you have formed your patties, it's time to cook them in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures that your patties cook evenly. Place the patties in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the patties for 7-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your patties and your air fryer, so adjust accordingly.

When the patties are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be taken out. Use tongs or a spatula to remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Your cauliflower patties are now ready to be served! Serve them as a side dish, snack, or even a main course. They go well with various dips and sauces, such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions