This Parmesan Chili Roasted Cauliflower recipe is absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, what more could one want! Low in carbs and vegetarian-friendly, this roasted cauliflower could not be any easier. Simply combine the ingredients and spread it all over the cauliflower, pop it in the oven or air fryer and you can have a delicious and healthy meal in no time.

First and foremost, I must state that I did NOT create this recipe.

Last weekend, my sister sent me this recipe.

Turns out, her husband who is definitely a carnivore by nature, proclaimed that he actually preferred this cauliflower over meat!

Pinky swear that is what my sister told me.

That is when I knew I had to try this recipe for myself.

Where does this Parmesan Chili Roasted Cauliflower recipe come from?

This recipe is the creation of a well-known chef in Canada by the name of Ricardo Larrivee.

Ricardo Larrivée (born 1967), also known by the mononym Ricardo, is a television host and a food writer who lives in Quebec, Canada. He hosts the self-titled television show, Ricardo, on Radio-Canada and previously hosted Ricardo and Friends which aired on Food Network Canada.

In 2002, Larrivée created a new TV show, Ricardo, with an accompanying magazine. In its third season, the show was the highest-rated TV morning show on Radio-Canada. The magazine is published five times a year in a print run of about 80,000 copies for each issue.

So, although I am not creating this recipe, I am translating it (it is in French) as well as creating an air fryer version of the recipe.

What ingredients do you need to make this recipe?

head of cauliflower
freshly grated parmesan cheese
old style mustard
softened butter
tomato paste
chili powder
salt and pepper

What makes cauliflower such a healthy vegetable?

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in fibre and B-vitamins.
It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer.
It also contains fibre to enhance weight loss and digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients.
It is an anti-inflammatory food

How do you make this Parmesan Chili Roasted Cauliflower in the oven?

Set an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
On a cutting board, pull off the cauliflower leaves and cut the bottom off in order for the cauliflower to be able to stand up in a roasting pan
In a small bowl, combine the cheese, mustard, butter, tomato paste and chili powder
Cover the entire cauliflower well with the mixture. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until it is easily sliced with a knife

How do you bake this cauliflower in the air fryer?

On a cutting board, pull off the cauliflower leaves and cut the bottom off in order for the cauliflower to be able to stand up in a roasting pan
In a small bowl, combine the cheese, mustard, butter, tomato paste and chili powder
Cover the entire cauliflower well with the mixture. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper

Place in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until it begins to soften
If top begins to brown too quickly, add a piece of foil over the cauliflower, making sure the foil is not touching the cauliflower.

Tips and Tricks to the perfect roasted head of cauliflower

make sure that you pick cauliflower heads that are firm and tightly closed. White varieties should be very pale, with no dark “sunburned” spots. Reject any heads that show signs of softness, that's the start of spoilage.
if cauliflower starts to brown too quickly, simply cover it with aluminum foil
replace the Old style mustard with dijon mustard or any other type of mustard but be aware that the "mustard" taste may be more pronounced
the oven will produce a softer cauliflower whereby the air fryer will be a little firmer so pick a method based on your preferences.
make sure you completely cover the cauliflower with the paste

What can you serve with this Parmesan Chili Roasted Cauliflower?