My favorite way to eat cauli is to make air fried Lebanese cauliflower with tahini known as arnabeet mekle. Each crispy golden brown bite is mildly sweet, salty and sour thanks to the side of lemon tahini sauce known as tarator.
What is Lebanese Air Fried Cauliflower With Tahini?
Traditionally, this Lebanese cauliflower tahini recipe, known as arnabeet mekle bi tahini (or karnabeet), is deep-fried rather than air-fried or oven-roasted.
This version features air-fried cauliflower florets drizzled in a lemon tahini dressing called tarator in Arabic.
The flavors are incredible: the sweetness of the air-fried cauliflower is balanced by the saltiness, sourness, and nuttiness of the lemon and tahini.
Arnabeet mekle is typically served as a side dish or as part of a mezze, and it's often paired with homemade fries to make a delicious wrap, as demonstrated below.
As a child, my mom would deep fry the cauliflower, then wrap it in Lebanese pita bread. It was so delicious that I now make it for my kids and husband, air fried of course!
In Arabic, “arnabeet” means "cauliflower" and “mekle” means "fried."
Ingredients Highlight
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
A fresh white cauliflower is washed, dried, and cut into florets about 2-3 bites in size. Since I now air fry this dish, I give the florets a light coat of avocado oil.
The tarator sauce that completes this dish is made with good quality tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt. You can find tahini at your local Middle Eastern grocer.
Tarator is similar to Lebanese shawarma sauce.
Optional Additions:
- Crushed garlic can be added to the tarator to taste.
- Finely chopped parsley can also be mixed into the tarator or sprinkled on top of the arnabeet bi tahini as a garnish.
Variations
As mentioned previously, traditionally, arnabeet mekle is deep-fried, resulting in the crispiest cauliflower florets with even browning. If you prefer this method over air frying, simply add the florets to a deep fryer and cook until golden brown.
Oven-roasting is another option. Roast the florets on a sheet tray at 220°C (425°F) until golden brown, turning them halfway through.
Or for another way to use cauliflower try this cauliflower steaks recipe.
Pro Tips
Air fried cauliflower will reduce to approximately half its size. Generally, a medium-large cauliflower yields 4-6 servings.
It is normal for the tahini sauce to thicken as it sits. Add a spoonful of water as needed to adjust the consistency.
Air Fryer’s differ in makes & models and have different settings, I recommend keeping an eye out on the cauliflower when you first make this recipe. This is a similar air fryer to what I am using.
Serving Suggestions
Arnabeet mekle can be enjoyed as part of a mezze with other small dishes such as air fried falafel, gluten free tabbouleh, fattoosh salad and so much more.
I like enjoying it in a bowl like the above photo, which is filled with chopped lettuce, tomato, onion and Middle Eastern pickles.
The below photo shows off eating this in a wrap with fries and sliced veggies.
Don't forget to add wedges of lemon when serving your air fried cauliflower with tahini, this way everyone can squeeze some additional lemon onto their portion.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Air Fryer Lebanese Cauliflower With Tahini
Ingredients
Arnabeet
- 1 medium Cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoons Oil any frying oil. You may need a little more or less depending on the size of your cauliflower head.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt add salt at the end if desired to taste
Taratoor (Tahini Dressing)
- 1 small Lemon juiced
- 5 tablespoons Tahini
- 1 pinch Salt or to taste
- 5 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Prepare The Dressing
- Place tahini, lemon juice, salt, and water in a bowl and whisk together until all is combined and a sauce is achieved. Set aside.
Prepare The Arnabeet
- Divide the cauliflower into florets. The stem and leaves can also be chopped up into large bite sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, add oil to the florets and thoroughly mix together ensuring every floret is covered in oil. Place the florets into the air fryer tray and air fry on high for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Ensure the florets are turned every five minutes if your air fryer requires this. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately with the tarator sauce either on the side or drizzled on top. Provide extra lemon wedges for everyone to squeeze onto their portions. Optionally, garnish with finely chopped parsley and a pinch of paprika for added flavor.
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Aileen
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