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Air Fryer Cauliflower Tikka Masala

Air Fryer Cauliflower Tikka Masala

The next best thing to chicken tikka masala, air fryer cauliflower tikkamasala!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 3 Person
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Tikka

  • 1 big cauliflower or 2 small ones (broken into small florets)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 cup Greek-style yoghurt
  • 1 ½ tbsp corn flour
  • 1 tsp butter/oil
  • Salt to taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder/paste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ cup tomato puree
  • 1 tsp sugar/sweetener/honey
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream/coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Chili powder to taste
  • Cilantro chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Cauliflower

  • Wash the cauliflower, dry and cut or break into small pieces or florets, like small flowers.
  • In a large bowl, mix black pepper, garlic powder, cumin powder, Greek-style yoghurt, corn flour and salt to taste. Add cauliflower florets and coat them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Air fry the cauliflower

  • Preheat the air fryer to 190C. Drizzle over 1 tsp room temperature butter, or vegetable oil and cook the cauliflower florets in a single layer, don’t overcrowd the basket. Do this for 10–12 minutes at a time, the larger the florets, the more time they will take. You may need to do this in batches.
  • You can also Bake Them in the Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the marinated cauliflower on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and slightly charred.

Prepare the Sauce

  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  • Stir in the spices, black pepper, garlic powder/paste, cumin powder, paprika powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder if using. Add in a sweetener of your choice, sugar/sweetener/honey.
  • Add tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate. Reduce the heat and add coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the roasted cauliflower to the sauce and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Adjust salt to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan. Enjoy!
Keyword Air-Fryer meals