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Indian style air fryer cauliflower with crispy roasted florets, warm spices, cilantro, and chili flakes
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Indian Style Air Fryer Cauliflower - Crispy, Spiced, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2–2.5 pounds), cut into medium florets
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  • 1.5 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or sunflower)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder or mild chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chickpea flour (besan) or cornstarch for extra crispness
  • Optional: Thinly sliced red onion for serving

Instructions

  • Prep the cauliflower. Rinse and pat dry. Cut into evenly sized, medium florets. Drying well helps them crisp. Aim for florets about 1.5 inches wide.
  • Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and pepper. If you want extra crunch, whisk in the chickpea flour or cornstarch.
  • Coat the florets. Add cauliflower and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor.
  • Preheat the air fryer. Set to 390–400°F (200°C). A brief preheat helps build a crust right away.
  • Arrange in a single layer. Add the coated florets to the basket, shaking off excess marinade. Leave a little space between pieces. Work in batches if needed.
  • Air fry until crispy. Cook for 10–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Edges should brown and the centers should be tender. Exact time varies by floret size and air fryer model.
  • Taste and finish. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if needed. Toss with cilantro and an extra squeeze of lemon.
  • Serve hot. Add red onion slices and more lemon on the side. Great with raita, mint chutney, or a dollop of yogurt.