Roasted cauliflower makes such a wonderful side. It goes so well with many dishes, and it’s great in salads. I love roasting cauliflower to add to my buddha bowls, salads, and even soups like this curried cauliflower soup (it’s amazing!). It can also make a great low-calorie snack! So if you’re one of those people that keep buying heads of cauliflower, but never know what to do with it. Here’s a very easy and simple side dish recipe for you made in the Air Fryer. Don’t have an Air Fryer? No problem! Just use your oven! The reason why I love this Air Fryer cauliflower recipe so much is that you get the “fried” crisp taste and texture of cauliflower without actually frying it in oil. It uses just a fraction of the oil that you’d normally use, and the recipe is actually quite healthy.
How to Cut Cauliflower
Remove the leaves, and wash the cauliflower head. Pat completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Using a chef’s knife, cut off the cauliflower stalk so it can sit on your counter. Then slice it in half vertically, and remove the core while holding the knife at an angle. The florets will separate on their own, or use the tip of the knife to separate them.
Are Cauliflower Leaves and Stems Edible?
Yes! They’re completely edible. I always roast the leaves and serve them on the side. And I freeze the stems then use them in smoothies. You can also use them in soups, stir fry, or stews.
How to Season Cauliflower
After you’ve cut the cauliflower into florets. Place the florets in a bowl so it’s easier to season. Drizzle with olive oil, and use your favorite seasonings. I usually go for turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sometimes I use my homemade seasonings that work SO WELL here, such as the fajita seasoning and the taco seasoning.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower
Toss the cauliflower florets so that they’re well coated in the seasoning and roast in the Air Fryer at 390°F (200°C) for around 15 minutes flipping every 3 minutes. You have to keep an eye on the cauliflower as it can burn easily, so check every 5 minutes and shake the basket so that the florets are roasted evenly. When the air frying process is done, remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer basket and serve on a plate. It can be enjoyed either warm or cold with freshly squeezed lemon juice!
Oil-free Option
If you’re avoiding oil, you can leave it out. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still turn out delicious (the oil helps get crispy cauliflower). To avoid the cauliflower from sticking to the air fryer basket, check out these air fryer parchment paper liners. They’re cheap, and great for easy clean up too!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Florets?
You can, but make sure that it’s completely thawed before you roast it. Frozen cauliflower will produce a lot of moisture, which you don’t want as it will result in a “mushy” texture. For more tasty sides in the Air Fryer, make sure to check out my air fryer mushrooms, air fryer corn on the cob, easy air fryer baked potato, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer kale chips! © Little Sunny Kitchen
