Your taste buds will find it impossible to resist these caramelized Roasted Cauliflower florets sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Truly the perfect side dish.
1headcauliflowerwashed, trimmed and cut into florets
¼cupolive oilextra virgin
1headgarliccloves cut in halves
½-1teaspoon chili flakesor to taste, optional
4-6sprigsthymefresh
salt and pepper to taste
½cuppecorino romano cheese or Parmesan cheesegrated
1tablespoonlemon juicefreshly squeezed, optional
additional grated cheese and minced parsley for garnishoptional
Instructions
If using the oven, preheat to 425℉ (220°C). Place rack in the lower third of the oven.If using an air fryer, preheat to 400° F (200°C).
Place cauliflower florets in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss together thoroughly to evenly coat the cauliflower.
Spread the cauliflower on a sheet pan or air fryer basket large enough to space out evenly and accommodate in a single layer.
For Oven: Bake at 425℉ (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Turn them over after 15 minutes.For Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Taste for doneness.
When almost done, spread ½ cup of pecorino romano cheese or Parmesan cheese directly on the florets.
Bake or air-fry for a few more minutes.
Remove from the oven. If using, drizzle the tops with lemon juice.
Garnish with minced parsley, freshly grated cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
Always preheat your oven or air fryer. High temperatures are essential in achieving that crispy texture.
Dry properly. To obtain the crispiest cauliflower, use clean tea towels to get that extra moisture out.
Uniform size ensures even roasting. Cut the florets the same size.
Properly coat each floret. Combining and mixing the ingredients in a bowl ensures the entire florets are properly coated.
Place flat side down. This simple step maximizes the surface area for crispy florets.
Don't overcrowd the pan.
Baking temperatures for the air fryer are just a guideline. Make sure to consult your manual.
How many florets are in one head of cauliflower? According to this produce converter, a 2 pound head of cauliflower provides 3-4 cups of florets.Can I use different herbs and spices? Yes. Go ahead and use your favorite herbs and spices. You really can't go wrong. Italian seasonings, Smoked paprika, Cajun, Tumeric and Curry powder are just some examples.Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.