Description
This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower florets with a crispy texture and a zesty lemon finish. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, it combines aromatic spices with the convenience of air frying for a deliciously tender and slightly charred vegetable treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 16 ounces Cauliflower florets (approximately 1 medium head of cauliflower)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Finishing
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the cauliflower a flavorful and aromatic coating.
- Coat the cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets into a large bowl and drizzle with the oil. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the florets and toss again until they are thoroughly covered with the spices.
- Arrange cauliflower in the air fryer: Transfer the seasoned cauliflower into the air fryer basket, spreading them out to allow even cooking and airflow.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook the cauliflower for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, pause to toss the florets, promoting even crisping and browning. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred tenderness.
- Finish with lemon: Once the cauliflower is cooked and nicely crisp, remove from the air fryer and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, tangy finish before serving.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size of the cauliflower florets; adjust accordingly.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure good airflow around pieces.
- You can substitute paprika with smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled; just make sure not to overcrowd the basket when air frying.
- Leftover air-fried cauliflower can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
