Air fryer cauliflower is a great option for anyone looking to make healthy and delicious food but doesn’t want to spend ages doing it. It’s easy and fast, and you can make it in the air fryer!
Air-frying cauliflower is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this popular vegetable. It’s packed with flavor and is ready in just minutes. I will show you how to cook cauliflower in the air fryer so it comes out perfectly each time.
How to Cook Cauliflower In The Air Fryer
Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is a great way to get a healthy, tasty side without having to turn on the oven. The hot circulating air of the air fryer cooks the cauliflower evenly and quickly, giving it a delicious and tender texture on the inside and a lightly charred exterior.
This recipe is made with cauliflower florets coated with oil and spices. It is then air fried till they become crispy and golden brown. This meal is flavorful and can be paired with various dips and sauces such as garlic spread, ranch dressing, teriyaki sauce, and many more.
The trick with air frying is that you need to put the food in a single layer on a rack. This ensures that every piece gets cooked evenly. If you add too much at once, some pieces will be undercooked or burnt while others are perfectly done. You can enjoy air fryer cauliflower as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack.
Ingredients for making air fryer cauliflower
Cauliflower: The main ingredient
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to coat the cauliflower, it helps the seasoning stick to the florets and ensures even cooking while also adding a rich, fruity flavor
Crushed red pepper flakes: Provide a spicy kick to the dish
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy, and acidic element that balances the flavors and complements the spices
Other seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
How to make air fryer cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into florets
Toss them with the seasoning and oil in a large bowl.
Cook– The cauliflower should be tender and lightly browned when done.
Serve and enjoy!
You can enjoy your air fryer cauliflower as a part of a main course, side dish, or tasty snack.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I soak cauliflower before air frying?
If you are concerned about worms, insects, or dirt, you can soak cauliflower before air frying.
Soak the cauliflower head or florets in salt water to remove all dirt and bacteria and ensure your cauliflower is safe to eat. After soaking, be sure to rinse the head with cool water.
Soaking the cauliflower in salt water can also help draw out some bitterness and give it a milder flavor.
How do I clean cauliflower before cooking?
Cleaning cauliflower is pretty easy. Start by removing any leaves and rinsing the head of cauliflower under cold running water. Then, fill a bowl or large container with cold water and add about 2 tablespoons of salt for every quart of water. Submerge the cauliflower head in the salted water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. After that, rinse the cauliflower again under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. Finally, pat the cauliflower dry with a clean kitchen towel before using it.
How long does it take to air fry cauliflower?
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to air fry cauliflower. To ensure that your cauliflower comes out perfectly cooked, be sure to check it every few minutes and give it a shake to ensure even cooking.
Should I season air fryer cauliflower before or after air frying?
We recommend that you season air fryer cauliflower before cooking it. Seasoning before frying will enable the cauliflower’s spices and seasonings to be evenly distributed and will also help to create a crispier texture.
Make sure to use a light coating of olive oil, salt, spices such as garlic and onion powder, and any other desired seasonings, and then toss the cauliflower until it is evenly coated. Once the cauliflower is seasoned, it can be placed in the air fryer basket and air fried.
How do I keep air fryer cauliflower crispy?
Lightly coat your cauliflower for air frying so that it can be crispy after it has been air fried. Also, ensure the florets do not stick together when air frying by shaking the air fryer basket or tray when it’s halfway through. Try as much as possible to serve immediately after making the air fryer cauliflower so that you can enjoy its delicious crispness instead of waiting and then reheating it later.
What temperature is best for air frying cauliflower?
For this recipe, we air-fry cauliflower at 390 degrees F. It is the ideal temperature for air-frying cauliflower to get it crisp and lightly browned.
What can I serve crispy air fryer cauliflower with?
Crispy air fryer cauliflower is a great side dish for any meal. Serve it with roasted meats, fish, or tofu. You can also pair it with a variety of sauces, such as tahini or curry, or serve it with a dip like hummus or guacamole. It also pairs well with grains, such as quinoa or rice, for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can place the cauliflower in the air fryer for a few minutes until it is crispy and hot.
To reheat cauliflower in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and add the cauliflower. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until crispy and hot. Enjoy!
Tips
Cut the cauliflower into even-sized pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
Cauliflower tends to take in seasonings a lot, so be sure to season well, but don’t go overboard.
It is important to serve the air fryer cauliflower immediately so that you can enjoy the delicious crispness.
Do not allow the cauliflower florets to stick together in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket intermittently to make sure they don’t stick together.
Place the cauliflower florets in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to coat.
Place the cauliflower in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and air fry at 390 degrees F for 10 to 5 minutes, tossing every five minutes until the cauliflower is brown and crispy.
Enjoy hot.
Notes
Make sure to use a light coating while seasoning your air fryer cauliflower
Air fryer your cauliflower at 390 degrees F
It is important to serve the air fryer cauliflower immediately so that you can enjoy the delicious crispness
Do not allow the cauliflower florets to stick together in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket intermittently to make sure they don’t stick together.
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