Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe- Spicy Indian Style with Fenugreek Leaves

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe – Spicy Indian Style with Fenugreek Leaves

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to sneak more veggies into your life – and make them seriously delicious while you’re at it. This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is a total game-changer. It’s packed with flavour, wonderfully crispy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something spicy and satisfying, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s been a weeknight staple ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cauliflower dish. We’re taking humble cauliflower and transforming it into a vibrant, flavour-packed snack or side dish, inspired by the bold tastes of Indian cuisine. The air fryer makes it unbelievably crispy without all the oil of deep frying. Plus, the combination of spices – especially the fenugreek leaves – is just divine. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit tangy, and totally addictive.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower work well)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• ½ cup green peas (frozen is fine!)
• ½ cup fenugreek leaves (Kasuri Methi)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients that really make this recipe sing:

• Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi): These dried leaves have a unique, slightly bitter flavour that adds so much depth. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores, or online. Don’t skip these if you can help it!
• Amchur Powder: This is dry mango powder, and it provides a lovely tangy flavour. It’s a key ingredient in many Indian dishes.
• Chaat Masala: This spice blend is a flavour bomb! It’s tangy, spicy, and slightly fruity. It adds a wonderful complexity to the cauliflower.
• Chili Powder: Indian chili powders vary a lot in heat. Kashmiri chili powder is milder and adds a beautiful red colour, while other varieties can be quite fiery. Adjust the amount to your liking! My family prefers a medium spice level, so I usually stick to 1 teaspoon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, in a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, green peas, fenugreek leaves, and chopped onion.
2. Now, sprinkle in all the spices: turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, amchur powder, garam masala, and salt. Give everything a good toss to make sure the cauliflower is evenly coated.
3. Time for the tempering! Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the ginger paste and minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour this lovely tempering over the cauliflower mixture and toss again.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it – you might need to cook it in batches.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.
6. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through! This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• For extra flavour, you can marinate the cauliflower in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before air frying.
• If your air fryer tends to run hot, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is also gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Want it milder? Reduce the chilli powder or remove the jalapeno. Want it extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili powder.
• Festival Adaptations: My friend makes a fantastic version of this for Navratri fasting, swapping the regular salt for rock salt (sendha namak) and ensuring all spices are permitted during the fast.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Cauliflower is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic as:

• A snack on its own
• A side dish with dal and rice
• A filling for wraps or tacos
• Served with roti or naan bread

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to clean and prepare cauliflower for this recipe?

Simply wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. You can also soak the florets in salted water for 10-15 minutes to help remove any hidden bugs.

2. Can I use frozen peas in this Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen peas work perfectly fine. No need to thaw them first – just add them directly to the bowl with the other ingredients.

3. What can I substitute for Amchur powder if I don’t have it?

If you can’t find amchur powder, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add a nice tang.

4. How do I adjust the spice level of this dish?

The chilli powder is the main source of heat. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

5. Can this be made in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

6. What is Kasuri Methi and where can I find it?

Kasuri Methi is dried fenugreek leaves. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online on Amazon or other spice retailers. It’s worth seeking out – it adds a unique flavour you won’t find anywhere else!