Frozen vegetables ensure that we have access to produce all year round cheaply, prevent waste, and, more importantly, are very easy to cook. It is even easier to cook in an air fryer, and in this post, I will share two ways to cook cauliflower in the air fryer.
Cauliflower has become a popular vegetable for its versatility and health benefits. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Frozen cauliflower is convenient to use as there is no need to chop or slice, and you can effortlessly cook it in an air fryer.
Spiced air fryer frozen cauliflower with crisp edges and tender inside can be eaten as a snack, side or added to a warm salad. It is quicker to make than cooking in the oven and is great for when you need to whip up a meal in a short time.
How To Make Frozen Cauliflower In The Air Fryer
Here are the ingredients you need…
- Frozen Cauliflower
- Sunflower Oil
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
A few notes about ingredients…
Cauliflower: Frozen cauliflower florets are needed for this recipe. Some bags will have big florets, while others will have smaller florets. I have found that the bigger florets take much longer to cook, so I am sharing two cooking methods for frozen cauliflower in this post. The pre-steaming method is best for big florets, while the direct air fryer method suits smaller florets.
Sunflower Oil: This will prevent the cauliflower from drying out and help the spices stick.
Spices: Spice up your air fryer frozen cauliflower with the seasoning of your choice. A little sprinkle of salt and pepper, your favourite spice rub, peri peri sauce, buffalo sauce …whatever you prefer.
How To Make It...
1. Pre-Steaming Method
I use this when I have large cauliflower florets.
Pour the frozen cauliflower into a microwave-steaming bowl. Sometimes the frozen cauliflower florets will be stuck together in the pack. Just hit the bag on a table lightly, and the florets should come apart.
Steam for 5 mins on high.
Add the oil into a bowl, then add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well with a spoon, then pour in the steamed cauliflower.
Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer in a single layer to get even cooking.
Set the temp to 1900C (400F). Cook for 10 mins. Open the air fryer and turn the cauliflower florets over. Cook for another 5 mins.
Remove from heat and serve.
2. Direct Air Frying Method
Add the oil into a bowl, then add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well with a spoon, then pour in the frozen cauliflower.
Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer in a single layer to get even cooking.
Set the temp to 1900C (400 F). Cook for 10 mins. Open the air fryer and toss, then cook for 5 mins. Open the air fryer and toss again. Leave to cook for another 5 mins.
Note: The time may vary depending on your air fryer model. A good way to know when the cauliflower is ready is to pull open the air fryer after the first 10 mins and check occasionally until you’re happy with the level of crispiness.
Recipe FAQ
You get better results by cooking straight from frozen. If you leave the cauliflower to thaw, the liquid will leach out in the defrosting process, and you will be left with limp, soggy vegetables.
Air fryer cauliflower will keep in the fridge for a few days. Reheat by warming in the air fryer at 1900C (around 400 F) for 3-5 mins.
Specialty Ingredient or Tools
Microwave steamer: This is my new favorite kitchen accessory. It makes it easy to steam fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave; and it comes in different sizes too.
Related Recipes
Other air fryer recipes to try...
Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 g Cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
Instructions
Pre-steaming Method
- Pour the frozen cauliflower into a microwave-steaming bowl.
- Steam for 5 mins on high.
- Add the oil into a bowl, then add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well with a spoon, then pour in the steamed cauliflower.
- Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer in a single layer to get even cooking. Set the temp to 190°C (400 F). Cook for 10 mins. Open the air fryer and turn the cauliflower florets over. Cooks for another 5 mins.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Direct Air Frying Method
- Add the oil into a bowl, then add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Mix well with a spoon, then pour in the frozen cauliflower.
- Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer in a single layer to get even cooking. Set the temp to 190°C (400 F). Cook for 10 mins. Open the air fryer and toss, then cook for 5 mins. Open the air fryer and toss again. Leave to cook for another 5 mins.
Leave a Reply