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- 1 medium-sized head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice I love using fresh cauliflower for this dish. You can find it at any store. Cut the cauliflower into small florets so they cook evenly. Next, olive oil is key. It helps the spices stick and gives a nice flavor. I usually use two tablespoons. Minced garlic adds a punch. I use four cloves, but you can use less if you want. For spices, I add smoked paprika for a warm taste. Cayenne pepper gives it heat. Adjust it to how spicy you like it. Onion powder adds depth without being too strong. Don't forget salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors. For garnishes, I use fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a tasty and simple meal! Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the cauliflower become crispy. Preheating is key for even cooking. It will give your cauliflower the right texture. Start with a medium-sized head of cauliflower. Cut it into small florets. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, take a large bowl and add the florets. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the florets until they are fully coated. The oil helps the spices stick and adds flavor. Now, add the spices. You will need 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything well. Make sure each floret gets a good coat of the spice mix. Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to circulate, making them crispier. Cook the cauliflower for about 15 to 18 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket gently. This helps them cook evenly on all sides. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they are ready. Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the top. This adds a nice zing. Finally, garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get that nice crunch, do not overcrowd the air fryer. If the florets touch, they won’t cook evenly. Instead, give them space. Cook in batches if you need to. This lets hot air flow freely around each piece. The result? A crispy, golden treat that will make your taste buds sing! You can easily change the spice levels to match your taste. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper. For a milder version, cut back on the cayenne. You can also try adding other spices, like chili powder or paprika. Mix and match until you find your perfect blend. Remember, cooking is all about finding what you love! While the air fryer is great, you can also roast cauliflower in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway. Both methods yield tasty results, but the air fryer is quicker and offers a crispier bite. Choose what works best for you! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even more delicious by adding cheese. Grated cheese melts beautifully on the hot cauliflower. Try using sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a creamy texture. Just sprinkle the cheese on top of the cauliflower when it’s almost done cooking. Air fry it for an extra two minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to melt and bubble. The result is a cheesy, spicy treat that everyone will love. If you want a vegan or gluten-free version, it's easy to adjust the recipe. Simply replace olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil. For the cheese, use a vegan cheese option that melts well. Check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free, too. This way, you keep all the flavor and make it safe for friends with dietary needs. You won't miss the cheese or gluten at all! You can elevate the flavor of your spicy garlic cauliflower by adding more seasonings. Consider adding cumin or chili powder for a different kick. You can also toss in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli to the mix. These veggies add color and extra nutrients. Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh taste. Each adjustment makes the dish unique and exciting. Enjoy finding your favorite mix! To keep your spicy garlic cauliflower fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to keep the florets whole, as this helps maintain their texture. If you slice them, they may get mushy. When you want to reheat the leftovers, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This helps regain the crispy texture. You can also use a microwave, but the cauliflower may become soft. If you must use the microwave, heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. You can freeze the spicy garlic cauliflower for later use. Start by letting it cool completely. Spread the florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for a couple of hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just remember to adjust your cooking time. Since frozen florets have water, they may take a bit longer to cook. I suggest adding about 3-5 extra minutes to your cooking time. Check for crispiness before serving. To amp up the heat, try adding more cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some chili flakes or hot sauce. For a unique twist, add a dash of sriracha before serving. These options will give your dish an extra kick. This dish pairs well with many options. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works great as a side for tacos or a hearty salad. Try adding it to a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice for a tasty lunch. This article covered how to make Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Cauliflower. We explored the key ingredients, spices, and garnishes that add flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for perfect crispiness. You can customize the spice levels and try tasty variations too. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy creating this delicious dish that will impress anyone at your table!

Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Cauliflower

Spice up your mealtime with this delicious Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Cauliflower recipe! Made with fresh cauliflower and a zesty blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, this dish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect as a healthy snack or side dish, it's quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and transform your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium-sized head of cauliflower, cut into florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil to coat evenly.

      Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix well until the cauliflower is fully coated with the spice mixture.

        Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal air circulation.

          Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for about 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

            Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top.

              Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4