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Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer cauliflower with this easy baking recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these cauliflower bites require minimal oil while delivering maximum flavor. The hot circulating air creates the perfect golden crust without the hassle of deep frying.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of golden-brown cauliflower florets arranged on a rustic ceramic plate, their crispy edges catching the soft natural light streaming through a kitchen window. A close-up reveals the delicate texture of the seasoned coating clinging to each floret, while scattered herbs provide vibrant color contrast against the caramelized surfaces. In the background, a small ramekin of creamy dipping sauce sits alongside a halved lemon, with a few raw cauliflower pieces artfully placed to showcase the transformation. The wooden serving board beneath adds warmth to the composition, emphasizing the homemade appeal of this healthier air-fried alternative.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium cauliflower head (about 600g), cut into florets</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cooking spray (olive oil based)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen tongs</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and pat dry with kitchen paper. It's essential to remove excess moisture to achieve maximum crispiness. Cut into even-sized florets, about 4-5cm in size – consistency in size ensures they'll cook evenly in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. The oil helps the seasoning adhere to the cauliflower and promotes browning in the air fryer (similar to how fat conducts heat more efficiently than air alone).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, combine the cornflour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled cauliflower and toss thoroughly until every floret is evenly coated. The cornflour creates a thin, crispy exterior when air fried.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes. Preheating creates an immediate heat environment that starts cooking the exterior quickly, which is key for crispiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Work in batches if necessary – overcrowding will create steam and prevent proper crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook for 6 minutes, then open the basket and gently turn the florets using tongs. Spray lightly with cooking spray if they look dry. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until they're golden brown with crispy edges. You'll know they're done when a fork easily pierces through a floret.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Transfer the air-fried cauliflower to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. The residual heat will continue cooking the cauliflower slightly, so serve immediately for the perfect texture balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe?

This crispy air-fried cauliflower requires cauliflower florets, olive oil, cornflour, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, cooking spray, and fresh parsley for garnish. These simple ingredients create a perfectly seasoned coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.

How to cook Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe by coating florets in olive oil and a seasoned cornflour mixture, then air frying at 190°C for 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through. The key is ensuring pieces are evenly sized, not overcrowding the basket, and preheating the air fryer for that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.

Why does my cauliflower not get crispy in the air fryer?

If your cauliflower isn't crisping properly, it's likely due to excess moisture, overcrowding the basket, or insufficient oil. Pat florets thoroughly dry before coating, cook in batches with space between pieces, and ensure they're evenly coated with oil for optimal heat conductivity and browning.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for air frying?

Yes, you can air fry frozen cauliflower, but you'll need to adjust the technique. Thaw and pat dry first or increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes. The moisture from frozen florets might affect crispiness, so consider adding a bit more cornflour to compensate.

What dipping sauces pair well with crispy cauliflower?

Crispy air-fried cauliflower pairs beautifully with numerous dipping options: sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, tahini sauce, blue cheese dressing, sweet chilli sauce, or a simple lemon yoghurt dip. The versatile flavour profile complements both creamy and zesty dips.

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The residual heat will continue cooking the cauliflower slightly, so serve immediately for the perfect texture balance of crispy exterior and tender interior." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Gonzalez", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "The texture is absolutely spot on - crispy outside with tender cauliflower inside. My family devoured the entire batch in minutes!", "name": "Perfect Texture", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Hassan", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "This recipe converted my vegetable-hating teenagers! I've made it three times in two weeks and they ask for it constantly. The seasoning blend is perfect.", "name": "Veggie-Hater Approved", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sasha Petrova", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "I added a bit of cayenne for extra spice and served with a yogurt dip. The cauliflower came out perfectly crisp without being greasy like restaurant versions. Will definitely make again!", "name": "Better Than Restaurant Version", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Liam O'Connor", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "The cornflour coating makes all the difference! I've tried other air fryer cauliflower recipes before but this one creates that perfect crunch. Plus it's so much healthier than deep fried versions.", "name": "Crispy Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mei-Lin Chen", "datePublished": "2024-06-10", "reviewBody": "The detailed instructions made this foolproof! I appreciated the tips about not overcrowding the air fryer and ensuring even coating. The results were restaurant-quality but so much healthier.", "name": "Foolproof Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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