Description
Crispy air fryer cauliflower delivers golden, crunchy florets with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this simple side dish that offers you a healthier alternative to traditional fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
- 2 tsps (10 g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) turmeric
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Trim cauliflower leaves and slice into uniform bite-sized florets, targeting 1-1.5 inch pieces for consistent cooking and texture.
- Seasoning Blend: Combine florets with extra virgin olive oil and honey in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coating each piece. Generously sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper, gently tossing to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Air Fryer Setup: Lightly spray air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange seasoned florets in a single, uncrowded layer to ensure maximum hot air circulation and crispy results.
- Cooking Process: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then vigorously shake basket to promote uniform browning. Continue air frying for an additional 5-7 minutes until florets develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- Finishing Touch: Optionally elevate presentation by drizzling additional wildflower honey and garnishing with roughly chopped roasted pistachios just before serving.
Notes
- Floret Size Matters: Cut cauliflower uniformly into 1-1.5 inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
- Coating Technique: Gently tumble florets in oil and honey to create a perfect, even layer that helps seasonings stick and promotes beautiful caramelization.
- Air Fryer Spacing Strategy: Arrange florets in a single, uncrowded layer to guarantee maximum crispiness and allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Shake for Golden Perfection: Vigorously shake the basket midway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent any soggy spots on the cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 0.5 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg