Romanesco — the striking lime-green spiral — is a cousin of cauliflower and broccoli, with a sweeter, nuttier flavour. The air fryer roasts it charred and tender in 14 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does romanesco take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry romanesco florets at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking, until charred and tender.
Q: Does it taste like cauliflower?
A: Similar but sweeter and nuttier, somewhere between cauliflower and broccoli.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Florets | 200°C / 400°F | 12–15 min |
| Steaks | 200°C / 400°F | 14–16 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Romanesco
Ingredients
- 1 romanesco, in florets
- 1 tbsp oil
- Garlic, chilli, parmesan
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Toss the florets with oil and seasoning.
- Single layer; air fry at 200°C for 12–15 min.
- Shake a couple of times.
- Finish with parmesan or lemon.
Tips
- Even florets char at the same rate.
- Single layer for crispy edges.
- Parmesan or chilli suits its nutty flavour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does romanesco take in an air fryer?
Florets take 12–15 minutes at 200°C, shaking, until charred and tender. Cut as steaks, they take 14–16 minutes.
Does romanesco taste like cauliflower?
It's similar but sweeter and nuttier — somewhere between cauliflower and broccoli — and it roasts beautifully.
How do you cut romanesco?
Break it into florets like cauliflower, following its natural spiral segments, or slice it into steaks through the core.