Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a delicious and healthy dish. This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful side dish with minimal effort and in no time at all. Using an air fryer keeps the cauliflower light, while maintaining its crispy texture, and allows you to enjoy a healthier version of a traditionally roasted dish.
What is Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower?
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower is a simple, flavorful dish where cauliflower florets are seasoned with herbs and spices, and then air-fried to perfection. The air fryer creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a quick, nutritious, and tasty side.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Healthier cooking method: Air frying uses less oil than traditional roasting, making it a lighter option.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs well with various meals, from salads to main courses.
- Crispy texture: The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
- Customizable flavor: Easily adjust the seasoning to your taste or try different herbs and spices.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- 1 medium cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps achieve a crispy, golden texture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – adds a hint of smokiness to the cauliflower.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – for a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – gives an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, balancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and a fresh pop of color.
Equipment
- Air fryer – for cooking the cauliflower to crispy perfection.
- Mixing bowl – toss the cauliflower with the seasoning.
- Spatula – for stirring the cauliflower during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Wash and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Season the cauliflower
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure that each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes. This ensures the cauliflower starts cooking immediately and becomes crisp.
Step 4: Air fry the cauliflower
- Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure the florets are evenly crispy and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your crispy and flavorful Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Grilled chicken: A great protein to complement the crispy cauliflower.
- Salads: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a healthy meal.
- Dips: Pair with yogurt-based dips like tzatziki or hummus.
- Grains: Serve over quinoa, rice, or couscous for a more filling dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Combine with other air-fried or roasted vegetables for a complete veggie platter.
- Wraps: Use the cauliflower as a filling for wraps or tacos for a light lunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Cut the florets evenly: This ensures all the cauliflower pieces cook at the same rate.
- Preheat the air fryer: This helps achieve a crispy texture right from the start.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fry the cauliflower in batches if needed to allow hot air to circulate properly.
- Toss halfway through Shaking the basket during cooking ensures even crisping.
- Add extra spices: Experiment with spices like curry powder or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Cheesy cauliflower: Sprinkle-grated parmesan or cheddar over the cauliflower before air frying for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy cauliflower: Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Lemon-garlic flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower before serving for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Herb-infused cauliflower: Try using dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean touch.
- Buffalo cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce after air frying for a tangy, spicy snack.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Vacuum seal: If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to keep the cauliflower fresh longer.
- Mason jar: Store smaller portions in mason jars for easy, grab-and-go snacks.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air fryer: Reheat the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore its crispiness.
- Oven: Place on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Use the microwave for a quick reheat, but note that the cauliflower may lose some crispiness.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower Healthier?
- Reduce oil: Use less olive oil or spray the cauliflower lightly with oil to reduce fat content.
- Add more herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill, instead of relying on more seasoning.
- Go light on the salt: Reduce the salt and use natural flavors like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar instead.
- Skip the cheese: Avoid adding cheese for a lower-calorie version.
- Use whole cauliflower: For added fiber, don’t discard the stems or leaves; air fry them along with the florets.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw it first. Simply season the frozen florets and cook at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
How do you keep cauliflower crispy in the air fryer?
To keep cauliflower crispy in the air fryer, make sure to dry the florets thoroughly before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and toss halfway through cooking for even airflow. Preheating the air fryer also helps achieve maximum crispiness.
How long do you cook cauliflower in the air fryer?
Cauliflower takes about 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the florets and your specific air fryer, so check for crispiness halfway through and adjust as needed.
What seasoning is best for air fryer cauliflower?
The best seasoning for air fryer cauliflower depends on your preference. Smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder are classic choices for a flavorful kick. You can also try adding chili powder for spice, or lemon zest and thyme for a refreshing, herbaceous flavor.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, healthy dish with minimal prep. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even as a main course when paired with other ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll love.
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Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower is a simple, flavorful dish where cauliflower florets are seasoned with herbs and spices, and then air-fried to perfection. The air fryer creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a quick, nutritious, and tasty side.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – helps achieve a crispy, golden texture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – adds a hint of smokiness to the cauliflower.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – for a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – gives an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, balancing the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and a fresh pop of color.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Wash and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Season the cauliflower
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure that each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes. This ensures the cauliflower starts cooking immediately and becomes crisp.
Step 4: Air fry the cauliflower
- Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure the florets are evenly crispy and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your crispy and flavorful Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Cauliflower.
