Air Fryer Tahini Roasted Cauliflower
Deeply charred florets under a lemony tahini drizzle and pomegranate.
Loved this recipe?
The Air Fryer Cookbook, 100 recipes
Every ingredient in cups and grams, with a photo for every recipe. 206 pages, instant PDF.
Get it $3+ →
Before You Start
Cauliflower needs proper char to taste of anything, and the air fryer gets there in half the time an oven takes. Cut the florets flat on one side so they sit against the basket, since that flat face is where the browning happens.
Instructions
-
Cut the cauliflower into florets, halving the larger ones so each piece has a flat cut side. Toss with the olive oil, cumin, paprika and salt.
-
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes. Arrange the florets in as close to a single layer as you can, flat side down.
-
Air fry for 10 minutes without touching them. Resisting the urge to shake early is what lets the flat faces properly brown.
-
Shake the basket and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are deeply charred and a knife goes into the stems easily.
-
While it cooks, whisk the tahini, lemon juice and garlic together. It will seize into a stiff paste, which is normal. Whisk in the cold water a spoon at a time until it turns smooth and pourable.
-
Pile the hot cauliflower on a platter, spoon over the tahini sauce, and scatter with pomegranate seeds and parsley.
Tap a step to check it off. Your place is saved on this device.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Tahini sauce always seizes before it loosens. Keep adding cold water slowly and it will suddenly turn silky.
- Do not overcrowd. Two batches of properly charred cauliflower beats one basket of pale, steamed florets.
🔀 Make it your own
- Add a tin of drained chickpeas for the last 8 minutes to make it a meal.
- Swap the tahini sauce for garlic yogurt and a spoon of harissa.
📦 Storing & reheating
Refrigerate for 3 days, sauce separate. Re-crisp at 200°C for 4 minutes. The tahini sauce thickens in the fridge; loosen with water.
❓ Frequently asked
How long does cauliflower take in an air fryer?
16 to 18 minutes at 200°C for medium florets, shaken once after 10 minutes. Smaller florets need about 12.
How many grams is a cup of tahini?
About 240 g per US cup, so the ⅓ cup here is roughly 80 g. Stir the jar well before measuring, since the oil separates on standing.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
More air fryer recipes
Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
A roomy air fryer
A larger basket means fewer batches and crispier results.
Check price →
Perforated liners
Less sticking and mess, without blocking the airflow.
Check price →
Silicone tongs
Turn and lift without scratching the non-stick basket.
Check price →
As an Amazon Associate, GramCups earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.