Try this fuss-free air fryer cauliflower bites recipe! These crispy cauliflower nuggets are not just delicious but also make a wonderful, wholesome side-dish or a delightful addition to your favorite salad. The best part is that it's a quick and easy recipe that will satisfy your taste buds in no time.
In this recipe, I will show you how to roast cauliflower florets in an air fryer. I'll list the ingredients, the step-by-step cooking process, and provide tips to make the most flavorful spiced air fryer cauliflower that you'll want to make again and again.
And, of course, if you don't have an air fryer at home, you can still prepare this roasted cauliflower recipe in the oven.
Serve these air fryer cauliflower as a delightful side dish for air fryer chicken drumsticks to elevate your meal.
Ingredients
To prepare these delicious air fryer cauliflower bites, gather the following ingredients:
1. Cauliflower: The star of the dish, cauliflower is a versatile cruciferous vegetable that, when roasted in an air fryer, becomes tender on the inside and beautifully crispy on the outside. It's known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor.
2. Ground Cumin: Cumin is a spice that adds warmth and earthy notes to the cauliflower bites. It complements the vegetable's taste and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
3. Ground Turmeric: Turmeric is a bright yellow spice with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It enhances the color of the dish and gives a depth of flavor. Additionally, it is well-known for its potential health benefits.
4. Paprika: You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika. Paprika is a red spice made from dried and ground bell peppers or chili peppers. It adds a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor to the cauliflower bites, along with a lovely reddish hue.
5. Salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the cauliflower and other ingredients. It also helps balance the overall taste.
6. Black Pepper: Black pepper provides a touch of heat and a slightly pungent flavor. It pairs well with the other spices and adds a pleasant kick to the dish.
7. Oil: Oil, typically a neutral variety like vegetable, avocado, or olive oil, is used to coat the cauliflower florets. It helps achieve that desirable crispiness when air frying while preventing the cauliflower from drying out.
8. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder imparts a savory, garlic flavor to the cauliflower bites without the need for fresh garlic. It adds depth and aromatic richness to the dish.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower Florets
Here are simple steps to air fry cauliflower:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into medium-sized bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the cauliflower, drain it, and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
3. Season the Cauliflower:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oil, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cauliflower in a large bowl or a zip-lock bag and pour in the seasoning mixture.
- Gently massage the seasoning all over the cauliflower to ensure even coverage.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
- Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket, arranging it in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the cauliflower for approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the florets. It's essential to flip the cauliflower every 3 minutes to ensure even crisping.
5. Serve Immediately:
- Once the cauliflower has achieved a crispy, golden-brown texture, remove it from the air fryer.
- Serve the air-fried cauliflower immediately while it's still hot and at its most delicious.
Tips
1. Use Fresh Cauliflower: This recipe is intended for fresh cauliflower florets, not frozen ones. Frozen cauliflower may release excess moisture, affecting the texture and crispiness of the bites.
2. Uniformly Cut Cauliflower for Perfect Cooking. Cut the cauliflower into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove Extra Moisture. After rinsing, make sure to thoroughly drain the cauliflower. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture until it's completely dry for maximum crispiness
4. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: If you're not a fan of robust spices like cumin or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to use less or omit it altogether. Customize the seasoning to your liking for a personalized taste.
5. Cook in Batches for Maximum Crispiness: To achieve the utmost crispiness, roast the cauliflower in your air fryer in batches. Avoid crowding the cauliflower florets in the basket, as this can lead to a mushy texture and prolong the cooking process. A single layer ensures even cooking and the desired crunch.
6. Monitor Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary based on the size of your cauliflower florets, the type of air fryer you're using, and other factors. Therefore, it's important to keep a close eye on the progress. Check the cauliflower frequently to prevent burning and to determine when it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
6. Roasting Cauliflower in the Oven: To roast cauliflower in the oven, preheat it to 425°F and bake the cauliflower for about 15 minutes or until it becomes crispy. Make sure to use a jumbo sheet for maximum crispiness.
Storage
Dispose of any air fryer cauliflower that have been left out for too long. If it's been more than 2 hours in mild weather or just 1 hour in very hot conditions over 90°F, it's no longer safe to eat. For more food safety tips, check the provided resource.
- After cooking, let the cauliflower cool at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- When stored properly, air fryer cauliflower can stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 5 months.
Reheating
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Put the leftover fried cauliflower and sauce into the air fryer basket.
- If you're using a small air fryer, you might need to reheat in multiple batches for even cooking.
- Heat in the air fryer for approximately 5-7 minutes, remembering to shake the basket or flip the cauliflower halfway through.
Check Out More Air Fryer Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
- an air fryer
- a mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 24 oz cauliflower florets, (wash, drain, and pat dry with towels)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , (or regular paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oil, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cauliflower in a large bowl or a zip-lock bag and pour in the seasoning mixture. Gently massage the seasoning all over the cauliflower.
- Put seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket, ensuring a single layer.
- Air-fry cauliflower for 12 -15 minutes and flip every 3 minutes for even crisping. Transfer them to a plate.
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