Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

<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>

<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>

<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>