Air fryers are becoming the go-to kitchen appliance for cooks everywhere. They’re a convenient way to prepare French fries, fried chicken wings, fish sticks, and more without all of the added fat from deep-frying. But that’s not all an air fryer is good for.
You can also use an air fryer to transform vegetables into tasty snacks. Fried cauliflower is one of these delicious options. With its crispy coating and mild flavor, this crunchy side dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Here’s how to make fried cauliflower in an air fryer.
Fried Cauliflower In Air Fryer – Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
4. Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket and spread them out evenly.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving)
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
The trick to Extra-Crispy Cauliflower
When it comes to extra-crispy cauliflower, the trick is all in the preparation. First, you’ll want to toss your cauliflower with spices and coat it in breadcrumbs. This will give it a nice flavor and help create a beautiful crust when cooked.
An air fryer is an excellent tool for quickly searing the cauliflower and creating that perfect crunchy texture. For best results, you should eat the cauliflower as soon as possible out of the air fryer for optimal crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious cauliflower recipes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure the cauliflower is completely dry and rub it with oil before placing it on the sheet pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The oven won’t get it as crispy as an air fryer, but you’ll still get the bold flavor from the seasoning blend.
Oil-free Options
Cooking without oil can be a great way to reduce fat and calories in meals. It also provides a different texture than when using oil, which can be a nice change of pace. To make sure food doesn’t stick to the pan or baking sheet, parchment paper liners are an inexpensive and easy option.
These liners are available at most grocery stores and provide a non-stick surface for cooking without oil. Air fryer parchment paper liners are especially helpful for air fryer recipes as they help prevent sticking while still allowing food to cook evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
This Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower recipe is a delicious and easy side dish that goes with almost any meal. It is low-carb/Keto, vegan, and gluten-free, and can be cooked in any air fryer brand.
Benefits of cauliflower include instructions on how to make it in the air fryer or oven, serving suggestions, storing & reheating tips, seasoning variations, and more recipes.
To make this air fryer cauliflower recipe even tastier, serve it with a jalapeno garlic aioli or spicy mayo dipping sauce. The spicy mayo dipping sauce can be made by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.
If you’re looking for something different to serve with your air fryer cauliflower dish, try ranch dressing or yogurt (for Indian style).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why use an air fryer for making fried cauliflower instead of traditional deep-frying?
A: An air fryer provides a healthier cooking option, using hot air circulation to achieve a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making it a convenient and efficient method for frying cauliflower.
Q2: What is the recommended temperature and cooking time for air frying cauliflower?
A: Preheat the air fryer to around 375°F and cook cauliflower for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the time based on the size of the cauliflower pieces and desired crispiness.
Q3: Can I use fresh or frozen cauliflower for air frying, and does it affect the cooking process?
A: Both fresh and frozen cauliflower can be used. If using frozen cauliflower, increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Ensure the cauliflower pieces are evenly coated with a light layer of oil for optimal results.
Q4: How do I prevent the fried cauliflower from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A: To prevent sticking, lightly coat the cauliflower with oil before air frying. You can also use parchment paper or a non-stick cooking spray on the air fryer basket to ease removal.
Q5: What are some creative seasonings or sauces to enhance the flavor of fried cauliflower?
A: Experiment with various seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cumin for added flavor. Consider tossing the fried cauliflower in a favorite sauce, such as buffalo or teriyaki, to customize the taste to your liking.
Conclusion
Fried cauliflower is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. With the right preparation, you can make extra-crispy cauliflower in an air fryer or oven. For those looking for an oil-free option, parchment paper liners are an easy and inexpensive way to achieve great results without adding fat or calories. Whether you’re using an air fryer or oven, you can easily make delicious fried cauliflower that will be sure to please everyone at your next gathering.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
