This Roasted Indian Cauliflower is an easy air fryer recipe. This cauliflower is the perfect side dish or can be a healthy snack full of flavor!
Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable because it can easily take on the flavors that is is cooked with. This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe is no different! In the new year, many people are trying to eat healthy and light. This crispy cauliflower is a perfect recipe for those trying to eat vegan or vegetarian.
I have always loved making cauliflower as a healthy snack or appetizer like these Mouthwatering Cauliflower Poppers! Similar to chicken wings, these cauliflower wings are the perfect vegetarian alternative for your next football game. Or, try my personal favorite, this Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Mascarpone. Full of decadent flavor, these cauliflower bites are roasted until slightly crisp, topped with lemon juice and pomegranate arils and served over whipped mascarpone. The combination is divine!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Roasted Cauliflower is so healthy! If you are looking for a light and low carb snack, this is it!
- This recipe comes together in no time! Cook this cauliflower in the air fryer for a snack that takes less than 15 minutes to make.
- One of the best things is bold flavor! If you like Indian food, you will love this cauliflower! The flavors of turmeric, curry and garlic shine through along with a little spice from the red chili powder.
Ingredients
Basic ingredients are needed to make this delicious dish!
- Fresh Cauliflower is chopped into cauliflower florets.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used to coat the cauliflower to allow the spices to attach to the vegetable.
- The spices: turmeric powder, curry powder, red chili powder and garlic powder, coat the cauliflower to give a distinct Indian flavor.
- Lime Juice rounds out the flavor.
- For a little crunch and extra texture, the crushed peanuts are added.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil not photographed. See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- While cauliflower is the main ingredient, you could substitute it for broccoli or sweet potatoes. Both vegetables would pair well with the spices.
- In place of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, use avocado oil to coat the cauliflower.
- Switch up the spices by using garam masala powder, coriander powder or curry powder.
- Use lemon juice in place of the lime juice.
- For a different crunch, substitute crushed almonds or sunflower seeds.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step by Step Instructions
Begin by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 1: Chop cauliflower into bite sized florets.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped cauliflower florets with the turmeric powder, curry powder, red chili powder and garlic powder to coat.
Step 3: Place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 4 minutes. Toss cauliflower. Cook for 4 more minutes. Cauliflower should appear golden brown.
Step 4: Place cauliflower in a large bowl. Toss with fresh squeezed lime juice. Top with crushed peanuts. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Tip 1: Make sure that you preheat your air fryer for at least 5 minutes prior to cooking anything in the air fryer. Because it is small, the air fryer does heat up quickly but it is not instantaneous. If the air fryer does not preheat, your dish will not cook evenly and you will have to add more cooking time.
Tip 2: Be sure to chop your cauliflower into medium size florets. The florets should be close in size to allow the cooking time to remain consistent.
Tip 3: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cauliflower should be placed in a single layer with a little space around each floret. This will allow the air fryer to evenly cook.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Air Fryer: Here is the air fryer that I use!
Storage
Store cauliflower in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat cauliflower for a few minutes in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or in the toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp.
FAQ
To ensure that the cauliflower is not mushy and has a slight bite to it, place a single layer of cauliflower bites in the air fryer basket. Make sure that there is space around the cauliflower bites for even cooking.
This cauliflower flavor stands on its own. However, for more zest and flavor, make a simple Greek Yogurt Dip such as this Homemade Raiti (Indian Yogurt Sauce).
Make this crispy roasted cauliflower a complete meal that the whole family will love with a side of naan bread or over rice. Or, serve the cauliflower as a handheld appetizer. This cauliflower is a great addition to stir fry, fried rice or buddha bowls. The best way to enjoy this cauliflower is to served warm.
Related
Looking for other vegetarian appetizers? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
📖 Recipe
Roasted Indian Cauliflower (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Head of Cauliflower Chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Red Chili Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ tsp Curry Powder
- 1 Juice of Lime
- ¼ cup Crushed Peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Farenheit.
- Toss chopped cauliflower with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, red chili pepper, garlic powder, turmeric and curry powder.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer with cooking spray. Cook cauliflower for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and flip the cauliflower.
- Toss cauliflower with the sauce. Squeeze the juice of the lime and top with crushed peanuts. Enjoy!
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