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    Home » Recipes » Vegetables

    Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)

    January 25, 2023 . By Meeta Arora . 27 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe
    Gluten free Tandoori Gobi

    Tandoori Cauliflower is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb appetizer. Tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer, this Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden and crispy. The whole family will love this easy and heathy cauliflower recipe!  

    Tandoori Cauliflower served on a platter with chutney

    This is an excellent North Indian appetizer which is healthy, and so quick with the air fryer or oven.  

    When the meat eaters enjoy Tandoori Chicken, the vegetarians can enjoy this meatless crispy Tandoori Gobi or Tandoori Mushroom.   It is typically enjoyed with green chutney.  Use soy yogurt to make this recipe vegan.

    I made this once when some friends had come over and it was a super hit.  One of my friend was so excited with the taste and convenience of the air fryer, that he ordered it the very next day.

    Tandoori Cauliflower Tikka Skewers served on a platter with chutney
    Tandoori Cauliflower Skewers
    Jump to:
    • What is Tandoori Cauliflower?
    • Ingredients
    • How to make?
    • Tandoori Cauliflower Tikka Skewers
    • What to serve with Tandoori Cauliflower
    • How to Store?
    • Do you wash cauliflower before roasting?
    • Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)

    What is Tandoori Cauliflower?

    Tandoori Caulifower is basically Indian style roasted cauliflower wings in tandoori spices. It is also called Tandoori Gobi or Gobi Tikka.

    If you are looking for a tandoori appetizer, typically chicken tikka or paneer tikka come to mind. This Cauliflower Tikka is the healthier low-carb version.

    This Indian spiced recipe might seem exotic with the list of ingredients, but it is actually fairly easy to make. Marinate the cauliflower and then bake it.

    Pair with a simple raita and salad to get a restaurant-style appetizer/snack or enjoy it as a side dish.

    You will also love my cauliflower pakora and air fryer aloo gobi recipe. And if you’re a fan of tandoori dishes, you’ll love tandoori paneer, chicken tikka kebab, and tandoori aloo tikka.  

    Ingredients

    Cauliflower – A medium to large head of cauliflower, cut into about 1 and ½ inch florets.

    Yogurt – I use greek yogurt or thick full-fat plan yogurt.

    Gram flour – This helps the marinade stick better to the cauliflower wings. This is an optional ingredients, so feel free to skip if you don't have it.

    Lime juice – Adds a tanginess to the final dish

    Spices – I like to use a number of aromatic Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chaat masala, red chili powder.

    Ginger & Garlic – Freshly grated or use ginger garlic paste

    Dried fenugreek leaves: Also known as Kasoori methi, gives the dish a delicious aroma. If you don't have it, it is okay to skip.

    Garnish: lime wedges, chaat masala, and onion rounds

    Tandoori Cauliflower ingredients

    How to make?

    I looked at many existing recipes when preparing for this one.  However I found that most recipes boil the cauliflower before air frying.  But that is too much work.  I like 1-step processes.  so I tried to directly air fry or roast in the oven.  The results were great.  Less work and same taste.

    Cut the Cauliflower

    Rinse the cauliflower under tap water and wipe it dry. Cut and discard the stem. Then cut the cauliflower into 1 inch pieces.

    Here is my post about how to steam cauliflower, where I also detail how to easily cut a cauliflower.

    For this tandoori cauliflower wings recipe, you want to make sure to keep chop the florets along with the stems. This helps for the cauliflower pieces to not get mushy, and hold their shape as they are cooked.

    How to cut cauliflower step 3 cut core at an angle for each quarter

    Prepare the Marinade & Add Cauliflower

    Mix all the ingredients to make the marinade in a bowl.

    Indian Tandoori marinade with yogurt and spices

    This marinade is super flavorful and the addition of Kashmiri red chili powder gives the cauliflower starter a wonderful color.

    Now add the florets to the marinade and gently coat them. You can coat with a spoon or use your hands.

    Marinated Cauliflower in a bowl

    Air Fryer Method

    Transfer the cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Cook in multiple batches if needed.

    Brush or spray with oil and bake at 360°F (or 180℃) for 18 mins.

    Tandoori Gobi ready to be grilled in the air fryer

    Shake in between at 10 minutes. (Note: Check after 16 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed)

    Air fryer tandoori cauliflower

    Crispy Cauliflower Tikka Bites from you air fryer are ready to be devoured.

    Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle the juice of a lemon and enjoy with fresh mint cilantro chutney or yogurt dipping sauce.

    Tandoori Gobi on a platter with green chutney

    Oven Method

    Preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200°C.

    Place the cauliflower florets in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them in a single layer. Brush or spray with oil.

    Roast the tandoori gobi for 18-20 minutes. Now set the oven to “broil” and cook for 3 more minutes.

    Take out and serve!

    Note: This recipe was created in 2017, and updated with new pictures in 2022. Below is an image from 2017.

    Air Fryer Tandoori Gobi or Cauliflower Tikka Bites is a great snack or appetizer.  Especially for game day or if you are entertaining guests

    Tandoori Cauliflower Tikka Skewers

    You can also thread the marinated cauliflower into skewers and cook on the air fryer, oven or grill.

    I used bamboo skewers. To avoid burning the skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before putting them together. If you have a batch of stainless steel or metal skewers on hand, you can use them without soaking them.

    indian spiced Cauliflower tikka in skewers

    I have shown below how I cooked the skewers in the air fryer.

    Cauliflower Tikka Skewers in air fryer

    Perfectly cooked, and so delicious!

    Tandoori Cauliflower Tikka served on a platter

    Pro-Tips

    • I used gram flour, also called besan in this recipe. If you don't have access to it, try with all-purpose flour or rice flour.  I tried and they were great and crispier.  It is just a tad bit healthier (and more authentic) with gram flour.
    • If you don't have all the spices mentioned, vary with the spices you have at hand.  Also, adjust spice level to your taste.
    • Another great thing about this Tandoori Gobi is that you can prep the marinade with the cauliflower florets and refrigerate the day before.  Perfect for entertaining!
    • Tandoori Broccoli - This could be a great appetizer to make with broccoli too. Marinate the same way. You will need to adjust the cooking time down for broccoli, as it cooks quicker than cauliflower. I typically air fry broccoli for about 6-8 minutes at 350F.

    What to serve with Tandoori Cauliflower

    • Serve tandoori gobi with mint cilantro chutney as an appetizer. If you like a milder dip, try my yogurt dipping sauce.  
    • Add the roasted cauliflower to a buddha bow, such as this sorghum grain bowl or roasted sweet potato quinoa buddha bowl.
    • Add the cauliflower tikka bites to wraps. Check out my paneer frankie recipe for how to make the most delicious wraps or kathi rolls.
    • This roasted tandoori cauliflower are great to add to salads too.
    • You can also serve them as a veggie side with meat or indian curries.

    How to Store?

    This is a great dish to meal prep. You can prep the marinade, chop the cauliflower and refrigerate it. Mix them and roast for a weeknight dinner.

    Cooked Tandoori cauliflower stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the preheated oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes.

    Do you wash cauliflower before roasting?

    I always like to wash cauliflower, and dry it before using. The drying helps so that the marinade does not get runny, and the roasted cauliflower is crispy.

    Hope you enjoy this easy recipe!

    Download free copy of air fryer cooking time chart
    Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
    Tandoori Gobi served on a platter with chutney

    Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)

    Meeta Arora
    Tandoori Cauliflower is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb appetizer. Tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer, this Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden and crispy. The whole family will love this easy and healthy cauliflower recipe!
    4.80 from 40 votes
    Print Save Saved! Pin
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 77
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: North Indian
    Diet: Low Carb, Nut-free, Vegetarian
    Method: Air Fryer
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 head Cauliflower (Gobi)
    • Oil for brushing
    • Lime wedges  to garnish
    • Cilantro leaves chopped, to garnish

    For the marinade

    • ½ cup Greek Yogurt or thick yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon Gram flour (Besan) optional
    • 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
    • 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder mild, adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Haldi powder)
    • 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala or add 2 teaspoon lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon Dried Fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi) (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Jeera powder) (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon Carom seeds (Ajwain) (optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the cauliflower under tap water and wipe it dry. Cut and discard the stem. Then cut the cauliflower into 1 inch pieces.
    • In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the marinade to get a smooth paste like consistency.  
    • Add the cauliflower florets and mix well so they get coated with the marinade. 
    • (optional) If you like, you can thread the cauliflowers into skewers.

    Air Fryer Method

    • Transfer the cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Cook in multiple batches if needed.
      Brush with oil and bake at 360°F (or 180℃) for 18 mins. Shake in between at 10 minutes. (Note: Check after 16 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed)

    Oven Method

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200°C. Place the cauliflower florets in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them in a single layer. Brush or spray with oil.
      Roast the tandoori gobi for 18-20 minutes. Now set the oven to “broil” and cook for 3 more minutes.

    Serve

    • When done, remove the roasted tandoori cauliflower to a serving platter. Garnish with lime wedges and onion rings. Enjoy with chutney as an appetizer or as a side dish. 

    Video

    Notes

    • This is medium spicy.  To reduce the spice level, skip red chili powder and/or reduce quantity of garam masala.
    • If you don't have gram flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour or rice flour.
    • Skip the oil if you want to make this oil free. Tandoori Gobi will still taste great. 

    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 644mgPotassium: 521mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 157IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword baked cauliflower indian, gobi tikka, tandoori cauliflower
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Moulikta says

      November 23, 2022 at 4:13 am

      Looks good I will make it this weekend! Can I use frozen cauliflower?

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        December 05, 2022 at 10:32 am

        Hi Moulikta - Thanks. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. It might take 3-4 minutes more to cook in the air fryer with frozen cauliflower.

        Reply
    2. Priti says

      October 12, 2022 at 6:48 am

      I am thinking to try this recipe so if you can give me some idea that gobi will be approximately 2lbs.?

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        October 16, 2022 at 8:49 am

        Hi Priti - That sounds about right. One head of cauliflower is about 2 pounds. Hope you enjoy the tandoori gobi.

        Reply
    3. Nisa says

      August 26, 2022 at 7:31 pm

      Thank you Meeta for always providing good recipe for free. I am so happy that this turned amazing and it’s so satisfying. Thanks again.

      Reply
      • Piping Pot Curry says

        August 29, 2022 at 10:33 am

        Hi Nisa - So happy to hear that 🙂

        Reply
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