What’s your favorite way to eat cauliflower? Air Fryer Cauliflower. I know cauliflower is not the most exciting vegetable in the world, but trust me on that. When it’s cooked in the air fryer, it transforms into something magical – crispy edges, tender tenderness. What’s inside, and an addictive flavor that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds)? Is it like popcorn chicken? I’ve been making this at least once a week, and it’s always good. You have to try it!
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What is an air fryer cauliflower?
Think of it as roasted cauliflower’s cooler, faster cousin. Air Fryer cauliflower is essentially cauliflower florets tossed in a flavorful coating and cooked in the oven. Is it necessary to fry in an air fryer until golden brown? Is it that simple? The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around cauliflower, creating a texture. What is it like to have a steak that’s tender on the inside and wonderfully crisp off the outside? Why is it not deep fried? What are some great side dishes to serve as an appetizer? Is it easy to make, even on those nights when you’re running on fumes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are the best reasons to eat cauliflower in an Air Fryer?What is the best flavor in the worldThe slight char from the air fryer gives it this amazing nutty, almost caramelized taste that’s just as good as the real thing. I usually use a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I like to add some spice to my recipes. What are some good spices to spice up a pepper?Is simplicity a win?. Seriously, it takes maybe 5 minutes to prep, and then the air fryer does all the work. What are some easy weeknight meals to make? Plus, cleanup is a breeze!cost-efficient. Cauliflower is generally a pretty affordable vegetable, and you probably already have most of the spices in your pantry. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. What I love most about this is how versatileCan you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish? What is the best topping for tacos? What are the possibilities? If you love this method, you can use it for other veggies too. Air fryer broccoli is another family favorite. What is the best flavor of air fryer cauliflower?
How do I make an air fryer for Cauliflower?
Quick Overview
How do you make an Air Fryer cauliflower? What’s the best way to cook cauliflower? What is the best way to cook a chicken in an air fryer? The air fryer crisps up cauliflower beautifully, giving it that perfect texture that’s hard to beat. What is the best way to achieve anything else? I can whip this up in a flash even on my busiest nights!
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower: What
* 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups). Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch – just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry really well!
What is the Spice Blend?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any oil you prefer; avocado oil also works great)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because everything’s better with garlic)
* 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds a nice savory depth)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of smokiness and color)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground is always better) * 1 teaspoon paprika.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that crispy texture. While it’s preheating, spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. I’ve tried it without, and sometimes the cauliflower sticks a bit.
Step 2: Chop the Cauliflower
Wash your cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets, about 1-2 inches in size. You want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. What is the best way to cook cauliflower?
Step 3: Mix the Spice Blend
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined so each floret gets coated evenly.
Step 4: Toss & Coat
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the spice blend. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is evenly coated. I like to use my hands to make sure every nook and cranny gets covered. Where does magic happen?
Step 5: Air Fry!
Place the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they will not get crispy. If necessary, cook them in batches. What are some tips for overcrowding cauliflower?
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Brown with crispy edges. Air fryers vary in size, so keep an eye on them. If you’re looking for a nice golden-brown color and slight charring on the edges, please don’t worry.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Remove the air fryer cauliflower from the basket and serve immediately. What is the best way to eat a crispy chicken? I like to sprinkle it with a little extra salt and pepper, but that’s totally optional.
What do you serve it with?
This air fryer cauliflower is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with just about anything!
As a side dish:It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Is it a good addition to any vegetarian meal?As an appetizer: WhatServe with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, sriracha mayo, or a simple yogurt dip. My family loves it with a little blue cheese dressing!In a Salad:What are some ways to toss it into a salad for added texture and flavor? What’s a good lemon vinaigrette?In Tacos:Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. What is a healthy alternative to meat fillings? I like to serve this with grilled salmon and a side of quinoa. It’s good and easy. Is this healthy, delicious, and comes together in under 30 minutes?
How do I perfect my air fryer Cauliflower?
How do I take my air fryer cauliflower to the next level?Don’t overcrowd the basket. Don I can’t stress this enough! Overcrowding will lead to soggy cauliflower. Cook it in batches if necessary.
Use fresh cauliflower: While frozen cauliflower can work in a pinch, fresh cauliflower will give you the best results in terms of texture and flavor.
Pat the cauliflower dry: After washing the cauliflower, pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it get extra crispy in the air fryer.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to get creative with your spice blend! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Don’t be afraid to char it: A little bit of charring is what gives the cauliflower that amazing nutty flavor. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little bit dark around the edges.
One time, I accidentally added a bit too much salt, and it was almost inedible. Now, I always taste the spice blend before tossing it with the cauliflower. Live and learn, right?
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cauliflower. Spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes, or you can microwave it. However, microwaving will make it a bit soggy, so the air fryer is the best option for maintaining that crispy texture.
I usually don’t bother reheating it – I just eat it cold straight from the fridge! It’s surprisingly delicious that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the crispiest, most delicious air fryer cauliflower. It’s quick, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in! If you’re looking for more easy and healthy recipes, be sure to check out my other air fryer creations. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut cauliflower into florets.
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and slightly browned.
