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

Air fryers are a great way to make a tasty, crispy side dish with minimal oil. This recipe for fried cauliflower in the air fryer is perfect for those who want a quick, easy, and healthy snack. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of proteins or enjoyed on its own.

Choosing and preparing cauliflower

Once you've chosen the perfect cauliflower, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Start by removing the coarse leaves from the base of the head. You can use your hands to break off the larger leaves, and then use a sharp knife to cut away any remaining leaves and trim the stem. Next, use your knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. This will make it easier to remove the core, which you can do by holding the knife at an angle and carefully cutting it out. After that, you can use your hands to break the cauliflower into small- to medium-sized florets. Aim for florets that are roughly uniform in size so that they cook evenly. If your florets are too large, they may burn on the outside before they are tender on the inside.

Now that your cauliflower is cut into florets, it's time to season it. Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also add lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavour. Then, add your choice of seasonings. A simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt will give your cauliflower a savoury, smoky flavour. You can also experiment with other seasonings like turmeric, cumin, oregano, ground mustard, or black pepper. Toss the florets in the bowl until they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

With your cauliflower prepared and seasoned, you're now ready to cook it in the air fryer!

Seasoning

Firstly, prepare your cauliflower florets by cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for small to medium-sized florets to ensure even cooking. You can also drizzle them with olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice to help the cauliflower crisp up and enhance the flavour.

Next, it's time to choose your seasonings. A blend of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt can add a smoky, savoury flavour to your dish. You can also include ground black pepper, dried thyme, turmeric, ground mustard, oregano, and/or curry powder to give it an extra kick. Play around with the amounts of each spice to find your perfect blend, but a good rule of thumb is to start with smaller quantities and gradually increase to your taste.

Once you have your seasoning blend, toss the florets in a large bowl, ensuring they are well-coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix, but make sure every piece is covered for a consistent flavour.

After seasoning, your cauliflower florets are ready to be placed in the air fryer. Cook them in batches if necessary, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each floret for even cooking. Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer, adjusting the temperature and time as needed.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, crispy, and flavourful air-fried cauliflower! You can serve it as a snack or a side dish, and it pairs well with various proteins and sauces.

Air frying

How to Cut Cauliflower

First, remove the coarse leaves from the base of the head. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. Finally, break apart the florets into small to medium-sized pieces, so the cauliflower cooks evenly.

How to Season Cauliflower

Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can then add your choice of seasonings. Suggested seasonings include: smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg to help the seasoning stick to the florets.

How to Air Fry Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Cook for 9 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips

• Work in batches if your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the florets in a single layer.
• Don't skip the olive oil! This helps the cauliflower to brown and crisp up.
• Check the cauliflower regularly to ensure it doesn't burn.
• For an extra crispy coating, dredge the florets in a panko breadcrumb mix before air frying.

Serving suggestions

As a Side Dish

Air-fried cauliflower is a versatile side dish that can be served with any protein, including chicken, fish, pork chops, or steak. It pairs particularly well with:

• Veggie burgers or sandwiches
• Black bean burgers
• Portobello mushroom burgers
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches

As a Snack

Air-fried cauliflower also makes a great snack on its own. For an extra treat, serve it with a tasty dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch dressing.

In Other Dishes

You can also add air-fried cauliflower to other dishes, such as:

• Buddha bowls
• Salads
• Soups
• Grain bowls
• Pasta dishes
• Creamy soups

Storage and reheating

Fried cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To ensure optimal crispiness, it is recommended to reheat in the air fryer at 300°F or in the oven. If you are short on time, you can also use a microwave.

When storing fresh or roasted cauliflower, it is important to note that it can get moldy quickly if not stored properly. To prevent this, remove the cauliflower from any cellophane wrapping, as this can trap moisture and promote rot. Instead, transfer the cauliflower to a sealed plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Puncture several holes near the head of the cauliflower before placing it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 4 to 7 days.

Roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to store it for a longer period, freezing is an option. To freeze roasted cauliflower, first, let it cool completely, then place it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen roasted cauliflower can be stored for about 2 months.

When reheating roasted cauliflower, it is best to use the oven, stovetop, or air fryer to retain crispiness. If you are short on time, you can use the microwave, but this may affect the texture. Reheating in a cast-iron skillet is also an excellent option, adding a bit of olive oil or butter to the pan to enhance the flavor.

Frequently asked questions