To add a burst of flavours, I served this Indian roasted whole cauliflower with my homemade garlic yogurt sauce and topped it off with a garnish of fresh coriander, mint, and juicy pomegranate seeds. It’s the perfect dish to impress friends and family with minimal effort, making any meal extra special! And you can also repurpose the leftovers into an interesting meal too. Simply cut the cauliflower florets and reheat on a pan or the air fryer. Then tuck them in a wrap along with lettuce, guacamole, Shirazi salad and yogurt dipping sauce. Delicious isn’t it.
Roasted Whole Cauliflower recipe below
Cauliflower: I’m using a medium-sized cauliflower – it’s the main ingredient that turns all crispy and delicious in the air fryer. Ginger-Garlic: I’m adding minced ginger and garlic – they bring a really nice flavour. If you don’t have fresh ginger and garlic, you can use store bought ginger garlic paste. Yogurt: I’m using Greek yogurt to make the marinade creamy and tangy. If you’re dairy-free, you can try coconut yogurt for a similar effect. Oil: A bit of oil helps the cauliflower get that crispy texture we love. You can use any cooking oil you have – like olive oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter. Lemon: Fresh lemon juice gives a zesty kick. If you don’t have a lemon, you can use lime instead. Spices: I’m using a mix of spices – turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder (for a touch of heat), cumin, coriander, garam masala (for that special Indian taste), black pepper and kasuri methi( dried methi leaves). Don’t have kasuri methi, leave it out. Feel free to adjust the spices based on what you have in your pantry.
To steam the cauliflower, first fill a deep lidded pan with hot water from the kettle about 3-4 cm, add salt, and place a trivet inside. Carefully place the cauliflower on the trivet, cover the pan, and steam for 5 minutes. Afterward, remove the cauliflower from the pan and allow it steam-dry for 8-10 minutes, then gently pat dry any excess water using kitchen paper. Coat the Cauliflower with Marinade: Thoroughly brush the marinade all over the cauliflower, ensuring it’s well-coated, including near the stalk and core. If you have time, allow it to rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Air Fry to Perfection: Transfer the marinated cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until achieving a golden and perfectly roasted texture. Check for tenderness by inserting a knife into the thickest part. Serve: Present your mouthwatering Indian Whole Roasted Cauliflower as a delightful vegetarian main with your favourite sauces like tahini, salsa verde, greek yogurt sauce and yogurt mint sauce.
Tips to Make the Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower:
Serve this roasted cauliflower with a tikka masala sauce. Carve the cauliflower into thick steaks and serve them with your favourite condiments like sour cream and chives dip, tamarind sauce, Indian mint sauce or any of the poppadom dips for a delightful starter. Festive Centerpiece: Replace turkey or chicken with this tandoori whole roasted cauliflower, and serve it alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable tray bake. Cut the air-fried cauliflower into florets and add them, along with lettuce, salsa verde, and boom boom sauce, to wraps, bowls, or salad bowls. Serve cauliflower steaks, cut from the whole cauliflower, alongside proteins for a tasty side dish.
Storing leftovers
In the fridge: Once the roasted cauliflower has completely cooled down, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it can lead to a mushy texture and alter the cauliflower’s delicious roasted flavour. Enjoy it fresh within the recommended storage period for the best taste and texture!
Make-ahead air fryer whole roasted cauliflower
The festival season can get hectic, but worry not! Prepare this Indian roasted cauliflower in advance to save time and reduce stress. Here’s how:
Should I steam the cauliflower for roasting whole cauliflower?
Yes, steaming the cauliflower before roasting ensures even cooking, tenderness inside, and shorter air fryer time. Steaming softens it, aiding marinade penetration for enhanced flavour. Air fryer Cauliflower steak Roasted cauliflower florets Popcorn cauliflower Aloo Gobi tray bake Air fryer Buffalo cauliflower wings Air fryer Vegetables Post a photo of your creation on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram, or save it to Pinterest with the tag #sandhyaskitchen. I would love to see your pictures! Subscribe to our weekly newsletters!
