This dish combines the wholesome goodness of cauliflower with the bold and vibrant flavors of harissa mild sauce.
Serve your Air Fryer Harissa Cauliflower as a savory appetizer or a delightful side dish. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this dish promises a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
Harissa is an amazing spice blend that will give your cauliflower the flavor it deserves. You can make this recipe in the oven too if you don’t have an air fryer!
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Ingredients
- whole cauliflower, cut into florets
- mild harissa paste you can also use spicy harissa
- olive oil
- maple syrup
- flat parsley, finely chopped or other fresh herbs like fresh cilantro, fresh dill or fresh mint
- Optional pine nuts or sesame seeds
See the recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-step instructions with photos
Step 1: Cut the cauliflowers in florets
Step 2: In a large bowl add the harissa sauce, olive oil, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine everything.
Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets in the bowl and with the help of a spoon or with your hands stir the cauliflower florets to distribute the sauce equally over all the florets.
Step 4: Place the florets in the baskets of the Air Fryer in one layer so you will cook them in two batches.
Cook at 390 F˚ for 12 minutes flipping every 4 minutes.
Tips
You can find harissa pasta in most grocery stores
Tailor the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of harissa sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the harissa; for a milder flavor, reduce the quantity.
Cut the cauliflower into uniform-sized florets to ensure even cooking. This helps achieve consistent crispiness throughout the batch.
For an extra crunch, you can toss the cauliflower florets in a tablespoon of cornstarch before coating them with the harissa marinade. This will create an even crispier texture.
Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness. Feel free to experiment with the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
Consider using parchment paper or an air fryer liner to prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the basket. This makes cleaning up easier and ensures the cauliflower maintains its shape.
Prepare a simple dipping sauce using yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to complement the harissa cauliflower. It adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Air fryers can vary, so monitor the cauliflower during the cooking process. Adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness, ensuring not overcooked.
Storage
Allow the air-fried harissa cauliflower to cool to room temperature. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
While cauliflower can be frozen, its texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you intend to freeze the harissa cauliflower, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and use within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating:
Air Fryer (Recommended for Best Crispiness):
Reheat the refrigerated or thawed harissa cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes. This will help maintain its crispiness. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Serving
Serve with a cooling cucumber Greek yogurt sauce or tzatziki on the side for a refreshing contrast to the harissa's heat.
or
Prepare a simple aioli by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy dipping option.
Place in a serving bowl with lemon wedges or sprinkle with lemon zest.
It makes the perfect side dish with grilled meat and rice, or quinoa.
Variations
Add a zesty kick by incorporating freshly squeezed lime juice into the harissa marinade. The combination of harissa and lime creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile.
For an extra layer of crunch, coat the marinated cauliflower in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and harissa before air frying. This creates a delightful crispy exterior.
Instead of cutting the cauliflower in florets, make cauliflower steaks.
FAQ'S
It has a very peppery, smoky flavor and can range in levels of heat, depending on which peppers and chiles make up the sauce. It also has a strong garlicky flavor that's brightened up with a kick of citrus.
The consistency is very different, but otherwise, Sriracha is a terrific harissa substitute, but don't add as much Sriracha, it's a lot more spicy.
While fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, ensure it's thawed and pat it dry before following the recipe.
Yes, you can experiment with other sauces, such as chili paste, buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a homemade spicy glaze. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 375°F place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet and follow the same instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Florets in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium Cauliflower in florets
- 3 tablespoon Harissa mild sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ cup flat parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflowers in florets
- In a large bowl add the harissa sauce, olive oil, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine everything.
- Add the cauliflower florets in the bowl and with the help of a spoon or with your hands stir the cauliflower florets to distribute the sauce equally over all the florets.
- Place the florets in the baskets of the Air Fryer in one layer so you will need to cook them in two batches.
- Cook at 390 F˚ for 12 minutes flipping every 4 minutes.
- Serve hot garnish with parsley
Notes
- Cut the cauliflowers in florets
- In a large bowl add the harissa sauce, olive oil, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine everything.
- Add the cauliflower florets in the bowl and with the help of a spoon or with your hands stir the cauliflower florets to distribute the sauce equally over all the florets.
- Place the florets in the baskets on a cooking sheet in one layer
- Cook at 400 F˚ for 12 minutes flipping halfway (after 6 minutes)
- Serve hot garnish with parsley
- The cauliflower florets can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 390 ˚F For 3 minutes.
- If you like spicy food you can also use Harissa hot sauce, instead of the mild one.
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