Air-Fryer Cauliflower: A Crispy, Indian-Spiced Treat

Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavours and vibrant colours, and this air-fried cauliflower recipe is no exception. This dish is a delicious, healthy snack or side that can be whipped up in minutes. The air fryer's magic lies in its ability to create a crispy, golden texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The key to this recipe is in the spices, with aromatic blends of curry powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and turmeric taking centre stage. The result is a mouth-watering, addictive treat that will have you reaching for more.

How to cut cauliflower into florets

To cut cauliflower into florets, start by removing any coarse leaves from the base of the head. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half, down the middle. Cut it again to make four quarters. Next, cut out the central core from each quarter by angling your knife diagonally. You can then break the pieces apart into florets with your hands. If you end up with some large florets, use a knife to cut them into halves or thirds, so they are roughly the same size as the others. This will ensure they cook evenly.

How to season cauliflower

Firstly, cut the cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets to ensure even cooking. The size of the florets will impact the cooking time, with smaller florets cooking faster.

Next, place the florets into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use avocado or grapeseed oil. Toss the florets in the oil to ensure they are well coated.

Now it's time to add your chosen spices. You can go for a simple option like salt and pepper, or try something more complex. For an Indian-inspired dish, you could use garlic powder, red chilli powder or smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and pepper. Alternatively, for an Italian twist, season with parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.

Make sure to spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each one. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Finally, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the florets cook evenly.

How to air fry cauliflower

Air-fried cauliflower is a tasty, healthy, and quick side dish or snack. Here is a simple recipe to make it in an Indian style.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Optional:

• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Freshly chopped cilantro, for serving

Method:

• Cut the cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets.
• Place the florets in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Add the spices: turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the florets so they are well coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Place the seasoned florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Check the cauliflower and cook for a few more minutes if needed. It should be slightly brown and crisp.
• Serve immediately with a squeeze of lime juice and a dip of your choice.

Tips:

• For a more crispy texture, cut the florets into smaller pieces.
• Work in batches if your air fryer basket is not big enough.
• You can also add other spices like garlic powder, red chili powder, or cumin for extra flavour.
• For a vegan option, serve with hummus instead of a yogurt dip.

How to make a zesty yogurt sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• Salt to taste

Method:

First, make the sauce by stirring the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, warm water, and Aleppo pepper together in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt to taste and stir until smooth. If you would like a thinner consistency, add a little water.

This zesty yogurt sauce is a perfect dip for your crispy air-fried cauliflower. It's also a great sauce for roasted vegetables, fries, and sandwiches.

Variations:

For a dairy-free option, you can replace the Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt or homemade almond yogurt. You can also add some mint to the sauce for a refreshing twist.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own za'atar spice mix by combining equal parts sumac, dried thyme, and sesame seeds. You can roast the sesame seeds beforehand or buy them pre-roasted. Stir in a teaspoon of salt, and your custom spice blend is ready! This spice blend will elevate your yogurt sauce and many other dishes.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your leftover Indian fried cauliflower, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, the best way to retain the crispy texture is to use the air fryer again. Reheat the cauliflower at 320-350°F for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, which will give better results than using a microwave, which can make the cauliflower soggy.

If you want to freeze your leftovers, spread the cauliflower on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan and freeze until solid before transferring to a ziplock bag. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months and reheat it directly from frozen.

Frequently asked questions