Air Fryer Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Tahini and Garlic

I try to make sure I have one completely veggie day a week. Vegetables are much cheaper than buying meat, so it saves me money as well as being good for me and the planet, but it’s also helped me be more adventurous in the veggie recipes I’ve come up with. This whole roasted cauliflower is a brilliant dish to serve if you’ve got people round and some of your guests don’t eat meat. Gorgeous with a salad and some smashed potatoes on the side.

Can you roast a whole cauliflower in the air fryer?

Yes, roasting a whole cauliflower in the air fryer is quick and easy. The air fryer helps the cauliflower develop a lovely crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender. It’s a fantastic option for a plant-based main or side dish.

How long does it take to cook a whole cauliflower in the air fryer?

Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your cauliflower and your air fryer model, but generally, a medium head of cauliflower takes around 25–30 minutes at 180–190°C. You can test doneness by piercing it with a skewer – it should slide in easily.

Do I need to steam the cauliflower before air frying?

You don’t need to pre-steam the cauliflower if you’re roasting it whole in the air fryer. Simply coat it in oil or marinade (like your tahini and garlic dressing), and the air fryer will roast it evenly while locking in moisture.

How do I get the cauliflower crispy in the air fryer?

To get that delicious crispy crust, make sure your cauliflower is patted dry before air frying. A generous coating of olive oil or tahini sauce also helps promote browning and enhances flavour.

Is air fryer cauliflower healthy?

Yes, air fryer cauliflower is a great healthy option. It uses far less oil than oven roasting or pan-frying, and cauliflower itself is low in calories but high in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants – making it ideal for balanced meals.

What should I serve with air fryer whole cauliflower?

Whole roasted cauliflower goes beautifully with salads, flatbreads, couscous, or rice, and it’s particularly tasty with Mediterranean toppings like tahini, garlic, lemon, and pomegranate seeds. It can be a brilliant vegetarian centrepiece.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes – you can prep the cauliflower and marinade it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. It’s a great make-ahead dish for dinner parties or midweek meals.

Can I use other sauces or spices?

Definitely. While tahini and garlic give a Middle Eastern-inspired flavour, you could also try Indian-style spices, harissa paste, curry powder, or even a cheesy topping. The air fryer method is very adaptable to different flavour profiles.

More vegetarian air fryer recipes

If you want to discover more air fryer vegetarian recipes you can check out my blog featuring some of my favourites.  Or you can pick up a copy of my latest air fryer book Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals today.