Crispy Cauliflower with Fried Caper Chili Oil

Name: Crispy Cauliflower with Fried Caper Chili Oil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs cauliflower florets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and patted dry; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp kosher salt

This crispy cauliflower features florets air-fried until golden and tossed with infused caper chili oil and fried capers for maximum crunch and briny, spicy flavor in one elegant side dish.

🌍Mediterranean 🥗Vegetarian 🏷️Air fry 🏷️Sides 🏷️Capers 🏷️Cauliflower

Crispy Cauliflower with Fried Caper Chili Oil

Total

45 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Recette Magazine

Ingredients

2 lbs cauliflower florets
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp capers, rinsed and patted dry
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp kosher salt

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Place cauliflower florets in a large, heat proof bowl with a fine mesh strainer set on top.
2
Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp capers, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes in a small heat proof bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until capers are crisp.
3
Remove caper oil from microwave and pour into the mesh strainer over the cauliflower florets. Transfer capers to a paper towel lined plate to cool.
4
Season cauliflower with 1 tsp kosher salt and toss well to completely coat florets in oil. Divide cauliflower between two air fry baskets and place in oven, ensuring sheet pans are underneath each basket to catch any drips.
5
Cook at 375°F for 35 minutes, stirring cauliflower halfway through cooking.
6
Remove cauliflower and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with fried capers and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before tossing with oil—excess moisture prevents crisping.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; arrange florets in a single layer for even browning and maximum crunch.
Fry the capers separately in a small pan until they pop and darken slightly, then drain on paper towels before scattering over the finished dish.
Add red pepper flakes to the oil just before tossing to preserve heat and avoid scorching.

Substitutions

Olive oil → avocado oil (higher smoke point for roasting)
Red pepper flakes → Aleppo pepper or smoked paprika (milder heat, different flavor profile)
Capers → crispy fried shallots or toasted breadcrumbs (textural substitute, loses briny note)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

air fryer

Common Questions

Can I make this in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes. Toss cauliflower with oil and seasonings, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crispy.

How do I know when the cauliflower is done?

The florets should be deep golden brown at the edges and tender inside when pierced with a fork, typically 15–18 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F.

What can I use if I don't have capers?

Crispy fried shallots, toasted pine nuts, or crispy pancetta provide similar textural contrast, though capers add a specific briny note.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Prepare the cauliflower and oil up to 4 hours in advance; refrigerate covered. Cook just before serving for maximum crispness. Fried capers are best added fresh.