• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Herbivore Cucina

  • Recipe Index
  • Indian
  • Instant Pot
  • Air-Fryer
  • International
  • Cakes & Bakes
  • More..
    • Featured
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Contact
  • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Recipe Index
    • Instant Pot
    • Contact
    • Web Stories
  • Get Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Air Fryer

    Published: Apr 30, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Air Fryer Tahini Cauliflower

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Cauliflower florets served with an ultra smooth delicious dip. This air fryer tahini cauliflower is definitely one of the most loved appetizer.

    A super simple 30-minute recipe that works well for parties, gatherings or for a healthy-ish snack!

    A black oval plate with air fryer tahini cauliflower with a tahini dip in gray bowl with a fork by the side and lemon in the background.

    Cauliflower has forever been one of the favorite ingredients in the food scene. From using it in a cauliflower based sauce to topping it over pizza or even making the pizza crust with it, cauliflower is everywhere. It is slices, diced, cooked as a steak or roasted whole to make this Gobi Musallam.

    A super versatile ingredient, it can be boiled, steamed, stir fried or even fried so well. No wonder it is everywhere. And if you got carried by the trending cauliflower recipes and bought a couple heads but do not know what to do with them, this post is for you.

    And today I am sharing a delicious recipe to pair this cauliflower with a creamy sauce. Together the cauliflower florets and sauce make a super flavorful combination as an appetizer.

    Jump to:
    • What is Air Fryer Cauliflower
    • What is Tahini Sauce
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Variations to the Tahini Dip
    • How to cut a cauliflower
    • Can I use Frozen Cauliflower?
    • More Cauliflower Recipes
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Air Fryer Recipes
    • Air Fryer Tahini Cauliflower

    What is Air Fryer Cauliflower

    An easy to make appetizer, Air Fried Cauliflower is a favorite in our house. Whether as an appetizer for parties or as a side with soups like Quinoa and Red Lentil Soup for a meal or even as a snack.

    One of the easiest ways to cook cauliflower is to air fry it. Crisp outside and super tender inside, these air fried florets are great with a sauce to dip them in. The process is super easy and quick and you have a big batch of crisp cauliflower in no time.

    The chief reason to air fry the florets is to get that "fried" texture and taste of cauliflower without actually frying it. This can be done in a fraction of oil and yet there is barely any compromise on the taste.

    What is Tahini Sauce

    Tahini sauce is a super creamy sauce with a handful of ingredients. While it is creamy, it does not have any cream, mayonnaise etc. This makes it quite a healthy dip for so many recipes.

    The sauce is very versatile. Pair it with roasted vegetables, pita bread, chips or even add it on to a bowl, it works brilliantly. And it is a great sauce for this air fryer tahini cauliflower recipe.

    We make a big batch of this sauce and enjoy it over the next 3-4 days with so many recipes. It is truly a great blend of ingredients that yields a tangy, creamy and nutty sauce.

    Tahini dip; made from tahini, oil and spices in a gray bowl with a spoon dipped in it with colorful plates below it.

    Why this recipe works

    • A combination of 'fried' cauliflower with a smooth creamy sauce is amazing as an appetizer or snack. These two pair wonderfully.
    • We can put everything together in under 30 minutes. From air frying and side by side making the sauce, the entire recipe is quick and easy.
    • This recipe lists out all the ingredient I added to the dip and cauliflower. Yet it is possible to make the recipe without a couple of ingredients too. Make it the way you enjoy it.
    • The tahini dip in the recipe works really well with a lot of other ingredients too. I have listed it all below.
    • The recipe works wonderfully on summer days where you do not need to fire the oven. It comes together with just a bowl, a blender and the air fryer!

    Overall, a quick and easy recipe that is super delicious too; this one would definitely be a star through the summer party season!

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Air fryer tahini cauliflower ingredients; cauliflower, spices and tahini paste.
    • Cauliflower: This being the key ingredient; we use a large cauliflower separated into florets. As long as none of the pieces is super big, we can use the florets directly. Else, chop the super large ones in halves or quarters.
    • Tahini Sauce: I like to make a dipping sauce for the cauliflower. This sauce is made with tahini paste, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, some za'atar spice and lemon juice. It is a super versatile sauce that can be used with so many recipes.
    • Olive Oil: We add some olive oil before air-frying the cauliflower florets. Do not skimp on this to get the perfect char on the cauliflower and not make it mushy or dry. Any other oil works too, but Olive is the prefered one in Mediterranean cuisine.
    • Za'atar Spice: A mix of sumac with a few other spices, Za'atar Spice is easily available in the stores. This blended spice mix makes the cauliflower delicious. However, if you cannot find it mix together dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, sumac and toasted sesame seeds. A lot of recipes lay out the proportions for this one.
    • Other Ingredients: Once we have the sauce and the cauliflower ingredients, the only remaining ingredients are the toppings. For this we use cilantro, toasted pine nuts and chili flakes. Pomegranate arils work too, and so does parsley. These make the recipe super fresh and delicious.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- In the bowl add all the ingredients for the sauce; tahini paste, olive oil, za'atar spice, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper and lime juice.

    2- Transfer this with some water to a blender jar and blend till smooth. Add more water if required.

    Collage to make tahini dip; mixing ingredients and blending.

    3- In a large bowl add the cauliflower florets.

    4- Season with Za'atar spice, some salt and pepper.

    Collage to make tahini cauliflower; how to mix the florets with spices.

    5- Then drizzle some olive oil and coat all the florets with the seasonings.

    6- Preheat the air-fryer to 425 F; arrange the cauliflower florets in the basket and air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping once mid-way.

    Collage to make tahini cauliflower in air fryer; arranging and air frying.

    7- Remove the air fryer basket. If the florets are still not slightly charred on the outside but fork tender, air fry for another minute and check.

    8- Then transfer the florets to a plate and serve with the tahini dipping sauce. Enjoy this easy and delicious air fryer tahini cauliflower.

    Collage to make air fryer tahini cauliflower.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Do not skimp on the oil required to air fry the cauliflower. Lesser oil will just give it the required char and flavor.
    • Preheat the air fryer before adding the cauliflower. Placing it in the basket while the air fryer is cold will result in chewy cauliflower florets.
    • Place the florets directly on the basket. Do not line with parchment paper as the results do vary a lot.
    • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Moreover, if making a big batch, air fry the cauliflower in batches for best result.
    • When mixing the sauce remember it does does thicken up a little when it sits for a while.
    • Adding more herbs to the sauce works well and so does adding more seasoning to the cauliflower.

    Variations to the Tahini Dip

    This tahini dip is a delicious one. However, adding some herbs like parsley, dill, basil or mint along with cilantro gives the dip a great green color and freshness.

    Moreover, to get a milder garlic flavor; use minced garlic available in bottles. Or add fresh garlic to lemon juice and let it stand for 10 minutes to mellow down the garlic flavor.

    Here are some great ways to enjoy the tahini dip:

    • With fresh vegetable slices as a dip.
    • With regular falafel or beetroot falafel as a dipping sauce.
    • With pita bread and vegetables to make a sandwich or wrap.
    • With chips as a dipping sauce.
    • Over flatbread or toasted pita chips.

    How to cut a cauliflower

    Remove all the leaves and the thick bottom stalk first. Wash the remaining cauliflower well and pat dry.

    Now all you have is a large white ball of florets. Either separate the florets by hand and chop them into halves or simply halve the entire cauliflower.

    Place the cut side on a chopping board and remove the core of the cauliflower. Then cut into sections and separate the florets.

    Can I use Frozen Cauliflower?

    While frozen cauliflower can be used in he recipe, it often does not thaw very well. And if there is leftover water or ice in the cauliflower it does turn the entire thing mushy instead of crisp.

    I would recommend fresh cauliflower for the recipe. However, frozen cauliflower if used; should be completely thawed and patted dry with kitchen towels before using.

    A black oval plate full of air fryer cauliflower with a fork on the side and topped with cilantro.

    More Cauliflower Recipes

    • Air Fried Cauliflower Bites
    • Whole roasted cauliflower in creamy sauce in a green plate with cilantro and onions on the side.
      Instant Pot Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Creamy Sauce
    • Indian Style Cauliflower Peas Naan Pizza
    • The BEST Cauliflower Dipping Sauce

    Recipe FAQs

    Can we use the oven to make tahini cauliflower?

    Yes certainly. We can bake the cauliflower at 425 F for 20 minutes to get the same result.

    What all can we serve the tahini dip with?

    The tahini sauce is great with so many recipes. Serve it with fresh vegetable slices as a dip, with regular falafel or beetroot falafel as a dipping sauce, with pita bread and vegetables to make a sandwich or wrap, with chips as a dipping sauce or over flatbread or toasted pita chips.

    Can we make this recipe with other vegetables?

    We can make the air fryer version of many vegetables; potatoes, carrots, asparagus, broccoli or a mix of these. Serve it with this creamy tahini dip for a delicious appetizer.

    Can air fryer tahini cauliflower be made ahead of time?

    We can totally make the dipping sauce ahead of time. The cauliflower however will turn mushy once it stays out for a few hours. It is best to make it just before serving. The leftovers however can be reheated in the air fryer but do often remain soft and do not crisp up again.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • A black tray filled with cream cheese wontons with scallions and sauce on the side.
      Cream Cheese Wontons
    • Air Fryer Peanuts in a blue bowl on a wooden board and a printed cloth on the side.
      Air Fryer Peanuts
    • A bowl of orange tofu with steamed rice and broccoli on the side with a chopstick along with it.
      Orange Tofu
    • Plate with air fried mexican pizza cups with a bowl of mango salsa beside it.
      Air Fryer Mexican Pizza Cups

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    A black oval plate with air fryer tahini cauliflower with a tahini dip in gray bowl with a fork by the side and lemon in the background.

    Air Fryer Tahini Cauliflower

    Smruti
    Cauliflower florets served with an ultra smooth delicious dip. This air fryer tahini cauliflower is definitely one of the most loved appetizer.
    A super simple 30-minute recipe that works well for parties, gatherings or for a healthy-ish snack!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 13 minutes mins
    Total Time 28 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 292 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
      

    For the Cauliflower

    • 1 medium cauliflower (florets removed)
    • 2 teaspoon za'atar spice
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon pepper (powder)

    For the Tahini Dip

    • 3 tablespoon tahini
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
    • ½ lemon (juiced)
    • 2 tablespoon cilantro (minced)
    • 1 teaspoon za'atar spice
    • ¼ cup water
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • In the bowl add all the ingredients for the sauce; tahini paste, olive oil, za'atar spice, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper and lime juice.
    • Transfer this with some water to a blender jar and blend till smooth. Add more water if required.
    • In a large bowl add the cauliflower florets.
    • Season with Za'atar spice, some salt and pepper.
    • Drizzle some olive oil and coat all the florets with the seasonings.
    • Preheat the air-fryer to 425 F. Arrange the cauliflower florets in the basket and air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping once mid-way.
    • Remove the air fryer basket. If the florets are still not slightly charred on the outside but fork tender, air fry for another minute and check.
    • Transfer the florets to a plate and serve with the tahini dipping sauce.

    Video

    Notes

    • Do not skimp on the oil required to air fry the cauliflower. Lesser oil will just give it the required char and flavor.
    • Preheat the air fryer before adding the cauliflower. Placing it in the basket while the air fryer is cold will result in chewy cauliflower florets.
    • Place the florets directly on the basket. Do not line with parchment paper as the results do vary a lot.
    • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. If making a big batch, air fry it in batches for best result.
    • When mixing the sauce remember it does does thicken up a little when it sits for a while.
    • Adding more herbs to the sauce works well and so does adding more seasoning to the cauliflower. This versatile recipe can be made in so many ways!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 5gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 630mgPotassium: 514mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 78mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Air Fryer

    • An oval plate with half a dozen green peas kachori puffs and a slice of lemon on the side.
      Green Peas Kachori Puffs
    • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts in a bowl topped with pomegranate arils and a small bowl of salt beside it.
      Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
    • Air Fryer noodles in a tray with vegetables
      Air Fryer Noodles
    • Malai Paneer in baking tray
      Air Fried Malai Paneer

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Me

    Smruti headshot

    This blog is dedicated to one of my greatest passions, Cooking. I have always loved to cook, especially trying out some unconventional recipes.

    Learn more about me →

    Delicious sweets to enjoy!

    • Strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a green bowl topped with mint, strawberries and graham crackers.
      No-Churn Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
    • A brown plate with sooji halwa served topped with rose petals on top; with diyas on the background.
      Rava Sheera | Sooji Halwa
    • An oval bowl with carrot kheer; topped with nuts, rose petals and saffron with a spoon on the side and nuts in small bowls.
      Carrot Kheer ( Gajar Halwa Kheer)
    • Gulab Jamun cheesecake mix in phyllo cups topped with saffron and nuts.
      Gulab Jamun Cheesecake Bites
    • Ice Halva sheets placed on top of one another with diya and pistachios in the background.
      Bombay Ice Halva
    • Rava Ladoo in a plate topped with dried rose petals and silver foil with diyas in the background.
      Rava Ladoo

    Popular Recipes

    • Air Fryer noodles in a tray with vegetables
      Air Fryer Noodles
    • Rose Peda in plate
      Instant Rose Peda
    • Instant Pot Pickled Jalapeños
    • Front view of Papdi Chaat Dip
      Papdi Chaat Dip
    • Top view of chaat
      Khasta Kachori Chaat
    • glass with rose boba tea
      Rose Boba (Bubble) Tea

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Herbivorecucina.com

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.