• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Culinary Shades

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Recipes / Air Fryer / Whole Cauliflower In Air Fryer

    Whole Cauliflower In Air Fryer

    Published by Alpa Jain . This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Whole cauliflower roasted in air fryer is a perfect appetizer for special occasions, parties, potlucks, game days, and Thanksgiving. Whole head of cauliflower is first steamed in the instant pot and then coated with a marinade of yogurt and Indian spices before air frying it. Check out how to roast whole cauliflower in the air fryer.
    Whole roasted cauliflower pin.
    Whole roasted cauliflower on a platter.

    Whole roasted cauliflower is a pleasant low-carb appetizer for special occasions like parties, potlucks, family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or game days.

    It is very easy to roast the whole cauliflower head in the air fryer and marinate it with Indian spices. This Indian-style roasted whole cauliflower is a pleasant dish to serve to your friends, family, and guests.

    The aromatic and flavorful spices are what make this recipe delicious and tantalizing. It is a true crowd-pleaser recipe and takes very little effort to make it.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    You will need a fresh head of cauliflower with all the leaves removed and the stem trimmed. You need to ensure that the cauliflower will fit in your air fryer. A small to medium size cauliflower or 1-2 lb in weight will work best for this recipe.

    The marinade is made with Indian whole and powdered spices mixed in plain yogurt. Whole spices like peppercorn, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and whole cardamom add a lot of flavor along with powder spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder.

    Whole roasted cauliflower on a platter.

    5 Awesome

    Air Fryer Recipes

    Free email series

    air fryer roasted baby potatoes.
    CulinaryShades logo

    Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt will work well. A little oil helps in getting a nice golden color once the cauliflower bakes.

    Any Indian recipe would not be complete without ginger and garlic which are very much essential in enhancing the flavor of this air fryer roasted cauliflower.

    Instructions

    First, cut off all the stems and the leaves of the cauliflower and rinse the cauliflower well with water. The next step is to steam it. You can either steam it in the pressure cooker or in a steamer on the stovetop.

    Steaming the cauliflower will make it a little tender and allow the marinade to seep in well.

    Pour a cup of water into the 6 qt. instant pot and place the cauliflower inside it in a steamer basket. If needed, you can use a trivet to place the steamer basket on it.

    Pressure cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes and then let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Release the remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure release knob to the venting position.

    Roasted cauliflower steamed.

    Steam cauliflower.

    Roasted cauliflower spice mix.

    Marinade using yogurt and spices.

    In the meantime, mix all the spices, oil, ginger, and garlic in yogurt in a small bowl to make the marinade. Allow the cauliflower to cool down before you marinate it.

    Place the cauliflower with head down on parchment paper or aluminum foil. Using a spoon and basting brush, apply the marinade on the insides of the cauliflower.

    Then invert the cauliflower to make its head up. Apply the marinade on the surface and coat it well and evenly with the basting brush.

    Let the cauliflower rest for about 15 minutes and then preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Air fry the whole cauliflower for about 8 minutes. This will help the cauliflower to cook from the inside as well.

    Then air fry it for another 12 minutes at 370°F. Check if the cauliflower is nicely golden brown from the top and is fork tender. If not, air fry for another 5 minutes at 370°F.

    Roasted cauliflower coated with spice mix in air fryer.

    Marinate the cauliflower.

    Roasted cauliflower cooked in air fryer.

    Roasted cauliflower is ready.

    Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer carefully. Cut the florets with a sharp knife and serve them with some green cilantro chutney. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala on it while serving.

    Substitutions

    There are a few substitutions you can make this delicious roasted cauliflower.

    • Vegan - to make it vegan, you can use plant-based yogurt like almond yogurt.
    • Spices - you can use garlic powder and ginger powder instead of fresh ones.
    • Yogurt - you can use Greek yogurt if you do not have plain yogurt.

    Variations

    This roasted whole head of cauliflower made with Indian spices is delicious and great for many occasions like parties, potlucks, Thanksgiving, game days, and more. You can also make some variations for your family and guests.

    • Spicy - add some minced serrano pepper or green chili paste to the marinade to add more spiciness. You can also increase the amount of red chili powder and garam masala as well.
    Whole roasted cauliflower on a platter.

    Equipment

    The whole head of cauliflower is first steamed in an instant pot or a steamer. I have used the 6 qt. instant pot and a steamer basket.

    After that, the whole cauliflower is roasted in the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer. It can be made in any type of air fryer, be it basket style or tray style, or any size.

    Depending on your air fryer and the size of the cauliflower, the cooking time may vary by a few minutes. Before making this recipe, just ensure that the cauliflower fits in the air fryer.

    I have also used parchment paper, an aluminum foil will work well too. It helps in placing the marinated cauliflower inside the air fryer basket and does not mess up the basket either.

    Storage

    Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or depending on the quantity.

    Top tip

    It is best to allow the cauliflower to marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the marinade to seep inside.

    Depending on the size of the cauliflower, the steaming and cooking time may vary.

    • For a cauliflower head up to 1 lb, steam for 3 minutes in the instant pot.
    • For a cauliflower head up to 2 lb, steam it for 5 minutes in the instant pot.
    Whole roasted cauliflower pin.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like

    • Grilled paneer tikka
    • Roasted baby potatoes
    • Roasted sweet potatoes
    • Roasted eggplant mash
    • Dal bati
    • Eggplant slices
    • Cauliflower bites
    • Indian style okra fry

    Don't forget to rate the recipe by clicking the stars. Also, pin the recipe by clicking the "Pin" button, for your future reference.

    📖 Recipe

    Whole roasted cauliflower on a platter.

    Whole Cauliflower In Air Fryer

    Whole cauliflower roasted in air fryer is a perfect appetizer for special occasions, parties, potlucks, game days, and Thanksgiving. Whole head of cauliflower is first steamed in the instant pot and then coated with a marinade of yogurt and Indian spices before air frying it. Check out how to roast whole cauliflower in the air fryer.
    5 from 1 vote
    Rate Recipe Print Pin Save Saved!
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 25 mins
    Resting Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 55 mins
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Alpa Jain
    Follow on Facebook@culinaryshades

    Equipment

    • Instant Vortex Air Fryer
    • Basting Brush
    • Instant Pot 6 qt (or a pot to steam cauliflower)

    Ingredients

    Steam cauliflower

    • 1 head Cauliflower (whole, small to medium size)
    • 1 cup Water

    Oil, whole spices, and herbs

    • ½ tablespoon Garlic (minced or paste)
    • ½ tablespoon Ginger (minced or paste)
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • ¼ cup Yogurt (almond yogurt for vegan)
    • 5 Cloves
    • 5 Peppercorn
    • 1 Cinnamon stick (2 inches)
    • 2 Cardamom (preferably large ones)

    Spice powder

    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
    • ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon Coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
    • ½ teaspoon Garam masala powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Steam cauliflower

    • Pour 1 cup of water into the instant pot liner.
    • Discard all the leaves and cut the stem of the cauliflower and rinse it with water.
    • Place the cauliflower into the steamer basket and place it inside the instant pot (use a trivet if needed).
    • Close and lock the lid with the pressure knob in the sealing position. Turn the "keep warm" setting on.
    • Pressure cook on high-pressure mode for 5 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes.
    • Manually release the remaining pressure by moving the knob to the venting position.

    Marinate cauliflower

    • In a bowl add all the ingredients from the list - "Oil, whole spices, and herbs" and "Spice powder".
    • Mix everything well with a spoon or a whisk.
    • Place the cauliflower on parchment paper.
    • Apply the marinade well to the inside of the cauliflower by inverting it.
    • Then place the cauliflower head upwards and apply the marinade to the top surface and coat it well with a basting brush.
    • Optionally, rest the cauliflower to marinate for 15 - 30 minutes.

    Cook whole cauliflower in air fryer

    • Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes on 390°F.
    • Place the marinated cauliflower along with the parchment paper in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes on 390°F.
    • The top surface will turn golden brown.
    • Lower the temperature to 370°F and cook for another 12 minutes.
    • Finally, check for doneness with the help of a fork. Cauliflower should feel a little crunchy instead of mushy.
    • If needed, air fry for another 5 minutes on 370°F until well done.
    • Take the cauliflower out carefully.

    Watch Video

    Notes

    Substitutions
    There are a few substitutions you can make this delicious roasted cauliflower.
    • Vegan - to make it vegan, you can use plant based yogurt like almond yogurt.
    • Spices - you can use garlic powder and ginger powder instead of fresh ones.
    • Yogurt - you can use the Greek yogurt if you do not have plain yogurt.
    Variations
     You can also make some variations for your family and guests.
    • Spicy - add some minced serrano pepper or green chili paste to the marinade to add more spiciness. You can also increase the amount of red chili powder and garam masala as well.
    Nutrition Facts
    Whole Cauliflower In Air Fryer
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    62
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0.01
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    1
    mg
    0
    %
    Sodium
     
    430
    mg
    19
    %
    Potassium
     
    344
    mg
    10
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    8
    g
    3
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    66
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    47
    mg
    57
    %
    Calcium
     
    57
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @culinaryshades23 or tag #culinaryshades

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Receive new recipes in your inbox

    Black eyed pea curry served in a metallic bowl and garnished with sliced lime and onion.
    CulinaryShades logo

    Recipes for you

    • Air Fryer Vada Pav
    • Baingan Bharta - Air Fryer and Oven
    • Frozen Mozzarella Sticks In Air Fryer
    • Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Alpa Jain - Author of Culinaryshades

    Hi! I am Alpa. I am passionate about cooking and love to share my tried and tested vegan and vegetarian recipes for your family and friends to enjoy!

    More about me →

    Recent Recipes

    • Bread Machine Sourdough Bread
    • Chocolate Covered Apricots
    • Bread Machine Pizza Dough
    • Frozen Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Matar Paneer
    • Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
    • Instant Pot Paneer
    • Instant Pot Palak Paneer

    Buy Me a Coffee

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Buy me a coffee

    Copyright © 2022 CulinaryShades on the Cravings Pro Theme