Air-Fryer Roasted Cauliflower: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Roasted cauliflower is a tasty and versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways, from a vegetable medley to a replacement for meat in popular dishes. Air frying is a convenient and healthy way to cook cauliflower, yielding a crispy texture and a roasted flavour in just 15 minutes. The key to achieving this is to cut the cauliflower into small, evenly sized florets, toss them in oil and seasonings, and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer at 390-400°F, shaking the basket occasionally for even browning.

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right cauliflower

First, look for a cauliflower head that is free of any blemishes or dark spots. The florets should be tightly packed, and the leaves should be green and fresh-looking. The cauliflower should feel heavy for its size and have a nice creamy white colour. It should also smell fresh, without any overwhelming odours.

When you're ready to prepare the cauliflower, start by removing the leaves and any excess parts of the stem. You can do this by inserting a knife just outside the stem and cutting around it. Then, cut the florets into nugget-sized pieces that can be easily eaten in one or two bites. You can either cut them off or pull them off by hand.

The size of the florets will impact the cooking time, so keep that in mind when cutting your cauliflower. Smaller florets will cook faster and result in more crispy edges, while larger florets will take longer to cook and have a more tender inside.

Once you have your cauliflower cut into the desired size, it's time to season and cook! But remember, the key to delicious roasted cauliflower starts with choosing the right cauliflower at the store or market.

Preparing the cauliflower

First, you'll want to remove any leaves from the cauliflower head and cut away any excess parts of the stem. You can do this by inserting a knife just outside the stem and cutting around it. Then, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, aiming for nugget-sized chunks that can be eaten in one or two bites. Try to keep the florets a uniform size so that they cook at the same rate. If you want more crispy edges, cut them smaller, but if you prefer the tender inside, go a little larger.

Next, place the florets into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also use avocado or corn oil if you prefer. Toss the florets to ensure they are well coated.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. For a simple option, you can use just salt and pepper, or you can add some smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and ground mustard. You can also experiment with other spices like curry powder, chili powder, or garlic powder. Get creative and use your favourite seasonings! Toss the florets again to ensure they are well coated with the spices.

Once your cauliflower is prepared, it's ready to be placed into the air fryer. But remember, don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning the cauliflower

To season the cauliflower, start by cutting the vegetable into florets. Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or vegetable oil. You can also add lemon juice at this stage. Then, add in the seasoning mix and toss the florets by hand for a couple of minutes, ensuring that all the florets are well coated with the seasoning.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to create a unique flavour profile. For example, you could try a Mexican-inspired blend with cumin, chili powder, garlic, taco or fajita seasonings. Or, for a Ranch-style cauliflower, cover it in ranch seasoning and serve with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. If you're feeling adventurous, try a Buffalo or Italian twist with some homemade buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and Italian seasoning.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and find the perfect seasoning blend that suits your taste buds!

Cooking the cauliflower

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your cauliflower florets are seasoned, it's time to cook! Place the seasoned cauliflower into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they're not overcrowded so that they cook evenly and get that delicious crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the cauliflower at 390°F (200°C) for 13-15 minutes, or until crispy. Keep an eye on it, as air-fried cauliflower can burn easily. Shake the basket every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.

Once the cauliflower is tender and browned on the edges, it's ready to be taken out of the air fryer. If you prefer your cauliflower softer or more well-done, feel free to adjust the cooking time accordingly, checking on it frequently.

And that's it! Your roasted cauliflower is now ready to be served and enjoyed as a delicious side dish or snack. You can enjoy it warm or cold, plain or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• For more crispy edges, cut your florets into smaller pieces.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Check and shake the basket frequently to prevent burning and ensure even browning.

Storing and reheating the cauliflower

Storing your roasted cauliflower correctly is essential to preserving its freshness and flavour. Here are some tips to help you store and reheat your cauliflower:

Storing Roasted Cauliflower:

Leftover roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. To ensure optimal storage, let the cauliflower cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Reheating Roasted Cauliflower:

You can reheat roasted cauliflower in the air fryer, stovetop, or oven. Reheating in the air fryer or oven is recommended if you want to restore its crispy texture. Simply reheat at 350°F until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but this may affect the crispiness.

Freezing Roasted Cauliflower:

If you have a large batch of roasted cauliflower, you can extend its shelf life by freezing it. Place the cooled florets in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reviving Limp Cauliflower:

If your cauliflower has lost its crispness due to improper storage, you can try to revive it by immersing it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can incorporate it into cooked dishes, blend it into a sauce, or use it as an ingredient in recipes like casseroles or patties.

Frequently asked questions