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Air fried cauliflower is a delicious and healthy alternative to roasted cauliflower that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is made by cooking cauliflower in an air fryer, which uses hot air to crisp and cook the vegetable without the need for oil or deep frying.
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Air Fried Cauliflower
One of the most appealing aspects of air fried cauliflower is its flavor. The high heat of the air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy, golden brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. This creates a delicious and satisfying texture that is often compared to fried foods. The flavor of the cauliflower is also enhanced by the caramelization that occurs during the cooking process, adding a slightly sweet and nutty taste to the vegetable.
In terms of nutrition, air fried cauliflower is a healthy and low-calorie option. Cauliflower is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. When cooked in an air fryer, the cauliflower retains many of its nutrients while avoiding the need for added oils or fats. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily or follow a specific diet like keto, Whole 30, or low-calorie diets.
There are a ton of advantages to cooking cauliflower in the air fryer – air fryers cook food much faster than ovens and require little to no oil, making them a more convenient and healthier cooking option. Air fryers also create a perfect crispy exterior that can be difficult to achieve in an oven, resulting in crave-worthy cauliflower even picky eaters like!
Air fried cauliflower is a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional roasted cauliflower. It offers a crispy texture and enhanced flavor while retaining many of the vegetable’s health benefits! The convenience and efficiency of cooking with an air fryer make it a great option for anyone looking to eat healthy or experiment with new cooking techniques.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces: The main ingredient of the dish, which provides a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins C and K, and a satisfying texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a light coating to the cauliflower to promote even browning, and a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the cauliflower with a savory and slightly pungent flavor that complements its natural sweetness.
- Paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly spicy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to balance the natural sweetness of the cauliflower.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish, and helps to bring out the other flavors.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).In a large bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the cauliflower in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.Cook the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be tender and golden brown on the outside.Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.Enjoy your crispy flavorful air fried cauliflower!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Air Fried Cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into similar sized pieces: This will ensure that the cauliflower cooks evenly and uniformly, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
Preheat the air fryer: Just like an oven, preheating the air fryer will help to ensure that the cauliflower cooks evenly and develops a crispy exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding the basket can cause the cauliflower to steam rather than air fry, resulting in a soggy texture. Cook the cauliflower in batches if needed.
Shake the basket: Every few minutes, shake the basket to ensure even cooking and prevent the cauliflower from sticking together.
Use a light coating of oil: While you don’t need to use a lot of oil, a light coating will help the spices to adhere to the cauliflower and promote even browning.
Season the cauliflower well: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the spices, as they will add flavor and depth to the dish.
Serve immediately: Air fried cauliflower is best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. Letting it sit for too long can cause it to lose its crispiness.
FAQs
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the cauliflower. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower to make air fried cauliflower. However, you will need to thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Absolutely! You can use a variety of spices to season your air fried cauliflower, such as cumin, curry powder, or Italian seasoning. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
Yes, you can make air fried cauliflower without any oil. However, a light coating of oil can help the spices to adhere to the cauliflower and promote even browning.
How do I store leftover air-fried cauliflower?
Store leftover air fried cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or in the oven for best results.
What To Serve With Air Fried Cauliflower
Air fried cauliflower can be served as a delicious and healthy side dish or snack. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fried cauliflower:
- Dipping sauce: Pair your air-fried cauliflower with a flavorful dipping sauce such as ranch, hummus, tzatziki, or spicy mayo.
- Grain or salad bowl: Serve air fried cauliflower over a bed of grains such as quinoa, rice pilaf, or farro, or add it to a salad for a nutritious and filling meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Pair air fried cauliflower with other roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and flavorful side dish.
- Protein: Add some protein to your meal by serving air fried cauliflower alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
- Sandwich or wrap: Use air fried cauliflower as a filling for a sandwich or wrap, along with other vegetables and your favorite condiments.
- Charcuterie board: Add air fried cauliflower to a charcuterie board alongside other snacks such as nuts, cheese, and cured meats for a fun and flavorful snack platter.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving air fried cauliflower. Get creative and enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish in a variety of ways! For some of our favorite main dishes to pair this dish with, find our recent favorites below:
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
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Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Equipment
- Ninja FD302 Foodi 11-in-1 Pro 6.5 qt. Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer that Steams, Slow Cooks, Sears, Sautés, Dehydrates & More, with 4.6 qt. Crisper Plate, Nesting Broil Rack & Recipe Book, Silver/Black
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, olive oil, butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
- Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook the cauliflower in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be tender and golden brown on the outside.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Enjoy your crispy flavorful air fried cauliflower!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
