Description
Crispy Cauliflower is a flavorful, oven-roasted or air-fried vegetable dish seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, served with a creamy yogurt tahini sauce and vibrant garnishes. It delivers a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess, ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 medium-large cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Yogurt Tahini Sauce
- ¾ cup plain Greek-style yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
- ¼ cup tahini paste (stirred)
- 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¾–1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- Parsley, cilantro, or arugula
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Pickled piquant peppers
- Lemon zest
- Chili flakes (Aleppo or Urfa Biber) or sumac
- Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 425°F (convection preferred) or an air fryer to 390°F to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss well to coat.
- Add Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, cumin seeds, sesame seeds (if using), granulated garlic powder, salt, cayenne (optional), and cracked black pepper. Toss again to evenly coat the cauliflower with spices and oil.
- Cook Cauliflower: For air fryer, spread cauliflower evenly and cook at 390°F, tossing every 5 minutes, about 12–15 minutes until tender and crispy. For oven, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Make Yogurt Tahini Sauce: While cauliflower cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini paste, minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning and lemon to taste. Reserve lemon zest for garnish.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the yogurt tahini sauce evenly on a large serving plate or platter. Pile the crispy cauliflower on top.
- Add Garnishes: Garnish with pickled onions (if made), herbs like parsley or arugula, lemon zest, chili flakes or sumac, toasted pine nuts or almonds, sliced cherry tomatoes, and pickled piquant peppers as desired.
Notes
- Use avocado or olive oil for best flavor and healthy fats.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level or omit for mild taste.
- For vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with plain vegan yogurt.
- Mixing spices well with oil ensures better crisping and flavor coating.
- Keep tossing the cauliflower in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Optional garnishes add texture, color, and complementary flavors—feel free to customize.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Crispy Cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, yogurt tahini sauce, vegetarian side dish, Mediterranean vegetables, healthy snack, oven-roasted cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower
