The short version
Paprika-coated cauliflower florets with a lemon-tahini drizzle. Serves 2 · estimated 25 minutes including prep. This makes a vegetable side for two; extra basket batches add time.
Why you’ll love this air fryer smoky cauliflower
- A complete methodMeasured ingredients, practical equipment and clear cooking cues.
- Air Fryer RecipesPaprika-coated cauliflower florets with a lemon-tahini drizzle.
- Know before you startThis makes a vegetable side for two; extra basket batches add time.
Ingredient notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below. Here’s what matters when you shop:
Before you shop. This makes a vegetable side for two; extra basket batches add time.
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- Prep
- 7 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Serves
- 2
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Equipment
- 5–6 quart air fryerSee our pick →
- Mixing bowlsSee our pick →
- 8-inch chef’s knifeSee our pick →
Instructions
-
Preheat and cut
Preheat air fryer to 390°F / 200°C for 3 minutes. Cut cauliflower into small, similar florets.
-
Season
Toss florets with oil, paprika, garlic powder and salt.
-
Cook
Cook in one roomy basket layer for 13–15 minutes, shaking twice, until browned at the edges and tender when pierced.
-
Drizzle
Whisk tahini, lemon juice and water until smooth. Serve alongside or drizzle over the hot cauliflower.
Recipe notes
- Timing: This makes a vegetable side for two; extra basket batches add time. Preparation, preheating and any rest explicitly stated in this method are included in the total estimate. Follow doneness and package directions if they require longer.
- Recipe status: Newly authored for this collection and not yet kitchen-tested. Cooking times are estimates.
- Recipe-page cover: A text recipe card. The Pinterest pin uses an AI-generated editorial food illustration in the style of the earlier collection, not a photograph of a kitchen-tested dish.
- Nutrition: Not calculated for this recipe.
Nutrition has not been calculated for this recipe.
Equipment for this recipe
Check the equipment list before starting. Appliance size and power can affect cooking time.
Easy variations
- Curry version: Replace paprika with mild curry powder.
- Larger batches: Scale ingredient quantities with the serving controls. Use sufficient pan or basket space and allow more time for extra batches; instruction text describes the base batch.
How to store and reheat
- For this recipe: Refrigerate sauce and cauliflower separately for up to 3 days.
- Chill promptly: Refrigerate perishable food in shallow covered containers at 40°F / 4°C or below within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F / 32°C. Follow the shorter storage period stated above or on an opened ingredient; previously cooked ingredients keep their original storage deadline.
- Reheating: If reheating cooked leftovers, heat the portion thoroughly to 165°F / 74°C. Keep cold toppings separate. Follow any stricter package directions.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before making air fryer smoky cauliflower?
This makes a vegetable side for two; extra basket batches add time.
Can I make it ahead?
Refrigerate sauce and cauliflower separately for up to 3 days.
Has this recipe been kitchen-tested?
Not yet. This is a newly authored recipe with estimated timing. Check the stated doneness, safe internal temperatures where given, and ingredient package instructions.