Crispy air fryer cauliflower is a light, healthy, and incredibly easy side dish to prepare. This minimalist recipe requires only 4 ingredients: cauliflower, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. A perfect dish for those who want to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste!
With this recipe, the cauliflower achieves a perfect balance between crispiness and flavor! The florets, well-roasted with a deep golden color and slight dark notes, become an irresistible side dish or a delightful snack. The air fryer ensures uniform and light cooking, leaving the cauliflower with a crispy texture on the outside and tender inside, just like it appears in your image.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2/3 people
- Cooking methods: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients for crispy air fryer cauliflower:
- 18 oz cauliflower (weight already cleaned)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- to taste mixed spices (optional)
Tools for crispy air fryer cauliflower:
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Spoon
Steps for preparing and cooking cauliflower in the air fryer:
Remove the green leaves at the base of the cauliflower and cut the harder part of the stem with a sharp knife.
Place the cauliflower on a cutting board, cut it in half, and divide all the florets (cut larger ones in half), rinse them under running water, place them on a towel, and dry them well.
Place all the florets in a large bowl, season them with oil, salt, and pepper (if you wish, you can add other spices to your liking), then stir well with a spoon to flavor the cauliflower. You can also let it rest for 10/15 minutes so that the cauliflower absorbs the flavors well.
Preheat the air fryer at 392°F for 3/5 minutes, then place the florets on the fryer grill, add a few sprays of extra virgin olive oil and cook at 356°F for 20/25 minutes, turning the florets 2/3 times during cooking for even cooking.
Check the cooking, the cauliflower should be crispy on the outside and tender inside with a dark golden color; just be careful in the last minutes of cooking that the smaller florets do not become too dark).
Serve immediately, accompanied by a light sauce or a sprinkle of herbs.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What spices can I add?
sweet paprika, smoked paprika, or spicy chili powder.
For an aromatic flavor, what can I add?
you can season the cauliflower by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or aromatic herbs (sage, rosemary, or oregano).
Can I add breadcrumbs?
absolutely yes, you can sprinkle the florets with breadcrumbs for a crispier crust, we recommend spraying a few puffs of extra virgin olive oil on the breadcrumbs.
As an alternative to breadcrumbs, you can use almond or coconut flour to add more crunchiness without increasing carbohydrates.
