Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer frozen cauliflower is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in minutes. Requiring minimal preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. With a bag of frozen cauliflower, some olive oil spray, and basic spices, you can create a delicious and healthy side that is low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Simply season the frozen cauliflower florets, place them in the air fryer, and cook until crispy. Enjoy as is or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or your favorite sauce.

How to Make Frozen Cauliflower in an Air Fryer

Olive oil and seasoning

The first step to ensuring your frozen cauliflower is tasty is to use olive oil. You can either drizzle or spray the olive oil over the frozen cauliflower. Make sure all the florets are coated by tossing or shaking the bowl.

The next step is to season the cauliflower. You can use a variety of seasonings, including:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Cumin
• Gochugaru (or red pepper flakes)

You can also add Parmesan cheese or lemon tahini sauce to the cauliflower once it's cooked.

No need to defrost

One of the best things about cooking frozen cauliflower in an air fryer is that you don't need to defrost it beforehand. In fact, it's actually recommended that you don't—cooking it straight from frozen helps to achieve the best texture.

To cook frozen cauliflower in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer according to its default settings. Then, place your frozen cauliflower florets in a large bowl and drizzle or spray with olive oil. You can also use an alternative oil, such as avocado oil spray. Make sure that the florets are evenly coated.

Next, add your seasonings. You can use everyday seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder or granules, and paprika. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Give the bowl a good shake or stir to ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated.

Now you're ready to air fry! Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket, spreading it out in a single layer if possible. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8-10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.

And that's it! No defrosting required. You can serve your air-fried cauliflower as it is, or sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese, or serve with a cheese or tahini sauce.

Air fryer settings

The ideal temperature to air fry frozen cauliflower is 400°F (204°C). Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the cauliflower in batches.

If you are using a COSORI Air Fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the cauliflower in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

Place the cauliflower in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5 minutes. Toss and air fry the cauliflower for 6-8 more minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

If you are using a different air fryer model, preheat your air fryer according to its default settings. Combine the main ingredients and seasonings in a large bowl. Place the frozen cauliflower in a single layer across the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd it.

Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for another 6 minutes until they are golden brown.

For a crispier texture, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on the cauliflower to avoid overcooking or burning it.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size, quantity, and spacing of the cauliflower florets. Smaller-sized pieces, spread into a single layer, are recommended for even cooking.

Additionally, make sure to stir or shake the basket at least once during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Spices and flavour ideas

There are many ways to spice up your frozen cauliflower and make it a tasty side dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Parmesan: Add 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese to the cauliflower once it's cooked. This will give it a savoury finish.
• Herbs: Instead of paprika, try using 2 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning.
• Hummus: Serve your cauliflower over a bed of hummus and top with pistachios and pomegranate seeds for a tasty and nutritious dish.
• Tahini: Drizzle some lemon tahini sauce over your cauliflower for a tangy flavour.
• Spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your cauliflower a kick. You could also try tossing the cauliflower in buffalo sauce (a combination of hot sauce and nutritional yeast) for a finger-licking treat.
• Cheese: Top with grated parmesan cheese or cover with a cheese sauce.
• Dips: Serve with a dip such as ranch, Thai chilli sauce, or Chinese-flavoured garlic chilli sauce.
• Curry: Add curry powder to your spice mix for a tasty, spicy treat.
• Smoked paprika: Try smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.
• Cajun: Add some spice with cajun seasoning.
• Gochugaru: Sprinkle with Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) and serve with fresh parsley.

Reheating and storing

Leftover air-fried cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the cauliflower in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 390°F (200°C) or until warmed through.

Alternatively, you can reheat the cauliflower in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions