A whole roasted cauliflower makes a stunning vegetarian centrepiece — golden and crisp outside, tender within, coated in spiced butter or yoghurt. The air fryer does it whole; just allow time for the middle to cook. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you cook a whole cauliflower in an air fryer?
A: Coat it in spiced oil or butter and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 30–40 minutes, until golden and tender through.
Q: How do you cook the middle through?
A: A lower temperature and longer time, or a quick steam first.
The method
Trim the cauliflower so it sits flat, keeping it whole. Coat all over in oil or melted butter mixed with spices (cumin, paprika, garlic), or a spiced yoghurt. Air fry at a moderate temperature so the outside doesn't burn before the centre cooks — check with a knife. For a big cauliflower, a few minutes of steaming first helps the middle along.
The recipe
Air Fryer Whole Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 whole cauliflower
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
- Cumin, paprika, garlic
- Salt, lemon
Method
- Trim the base so it sits flat.
- Coat all over in spiced oil.
- Air fry at 180°C for 30–40 minutes.
- Check the centre is tender with a knife.
Tips
- Lower temperature so it cooks through.
- Steam briefly first for a big one.
- Coat well for an even golden crust.
Frequently asked questions
How do you cook a whole cauliflower in an air fryer?
Coat it in spiced oil or butter and air fry at 180°C for 30–40 minutes until golden outside and tender in the middle, checking with a knife.
How do you stop the outside burning before the middle cooks?
Cook at a moderate temperature rather than high, and for a large cauliflower, steam it for a few minutes first to give the centre a head start.
What spices work on whole cauliflower?
Cumin, paprika, turmeric and garlic, or a spiced yoghurt coating for a tandoori-style finish.