Air Fryer Indian Spiced Cauliflower
Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this incredibly easy and healthy whole roasted cauliflower. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, then air-fried to golden perfection, it makes for a stunning vegetarian main or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium whole cauliflower
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt full-fat or Greek
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower. Carefully trim the bottom stem so the cauliflower sits flat, but keep the florets intact. You can make a few shallow slits into the stem for better marinade absorption.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate the cauliflower: Place the whole cauliflower into the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands or a brush, generously coat the entire cauliflower with the yogurt mixture, ensuring it gets into the crevices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Air fry: Carefully place the marinated whole cauliflower into the air fryer basket. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully golden brown with slightly charred edges. Cooking time may vary based on cauliflower size and air fryer model.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot as a main dish or a delicious side.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Leftovers can be chopped and added to salads or wraps. Ensure your cauliflower head fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.