You can whip up a crispy air fryer cauliflower side dish with just a few simple ingredients. This quick recipe delivers a roasted flavor with perfectly crunchy edges, and it’s ready in only 10 minutes from prep to plate—making it a nutritious, flavorful addition to any meal.
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables, perfect for creating everything from cauliflower pizza crust to creamy cauliflower risotto.
One of its best qualities is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it an excellent addition to weeknight meals.
Air fryer cauliflower is a flavorful, lighter alternative to traditional fried cauliflower. It comes out crispy on the outsideand tender on the inside, making it an ideal side dish or snack.
No air fryer? No problem! You can achieve the same golden, flavorful result by roasting it in the oven. Simply toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet and roast until caramelized and fork tender.
Why You’re Going to Love This Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
- Quick & effortless – Ready in just 15 minutes from prep to plate.
- Beginner-friendly – Minimal steps, perfect for any skill level.
- Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep or reheating later.
- Versatile pairing – Works as a side dish, snack, or even a salad topping.
- Healthy & flavorful – A tasty way to include more vegetables in your diet.
- Perfect texture – Crispy edges with a tender center every time.
- Low in carbs – Only 7g net carbs per serving, making it keto-friendly.
- Customizable seasoning – Easily adapt with your favorite spices, herbs, or even a cheesy parmesan coating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients to make this crispy and flavorful air fryer cauliflower:
- Cauliflower – Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets and no brown spots for the best taste and texture.
- Olive Oil – Helps achieve those crispy golden edges. You can substitute with avocado oil or your preferred neutral vegetable oil.
- Paprika – Adds a warm depth of flavor. Use smoked paprika for a bolder, slightly smoky taste.
- Garlic Powder – Provides a rich savory flavor. If you prefer, swap for onion powder or omit entirely.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
How To Make This Air Fryer Cauliflower
Making a side dish was never easier. Once you will how easy it is to make this air fryer cauliflower, you will want to make it over and over again. Here is everything you have to do:
Cutting the Cauliflower
Remove the leaves: First, remove any leaves or green parts at the base of the cauliflower.
Cut off the stem: Cut off the stem at the base of the cauliflower so that it sits flat on the cutting board.
Cut into quarters: Cut the cauliflower into quarters by slicing it from the top to the base.
Cut out the core: Use a paring knife to cut out the core from each quarter of the cauliflower.
Cut into florets: Use your hands or a knife to break or cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You can also slice the cauliflower into thin slices if you prefer.
How To Season Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Tossing cauliflower with olive oil, smoked paprika salt, and pepper is a classic and simple way to bring out its natural flavor. Adding garlic and herbs like rosemary or thyme to your cauliflower can give it a delicious savory flavor.
Air Fry Cauliflower
Air fry the cauliflower at 400F/ 200C for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Cook until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve it hot with your favorite sauces.
Tips For Making the Best Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer so the hot air can circulate, ensuring crispy edges on all sides.
- Cut florets evenly – Keep pieces similar in size to ensure they cook at the same rate and don’t end up with some burnt and some undercooked.
- Shake or toss midway – Shake the basket or turn the florets halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Preheat your air fryer – Preheating helps the cauliflower start cooking immediately, which creates a better roasted texture.
- Pat cauliflower dry – After washing, make sure to dry the florets well. Too much moisture can prevent crisping.
- Experiment with seasonings – Try spice blends like curry powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or lemon pepperfor variety.
- Add parmesan for extra flavor – Sprinkle grated parmesan over the cauliflower during the last 2 minutes for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Finish with fresh herbs – Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, dill, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately – Air fryer cauliflower is best enjoyed hot, while the edges are crispy and tender inside.
Serving Ideas
Another great thing about this recipe is the fact that it pairs perfectly with many recipes. Here are some great ideas:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Keto Meatloaf
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Oven Baked Salmon
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: You can store this air fryer cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze this air fryer cauliflower. Place the cauliflower florets on a cookie sheet and freeze them for about 20 minutes when they have cooled. After that, transfer them to a plastic bag and freeze them for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cauliflower Healthy?
Besides tasting amazing, cauliflower is a tasty and healthy vegetable that looks and tastes amazing when cooked and prepared correctly. Everyone will be impressed, including your family and dinner guests.
Can I Make This Recipe Using Frozen Cauliflower?
Sure, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe, and you don’t have to thaw it first. Although if you use fresh cauliflower, you will get the best results.
Is Cauliflower Keto-Friendly?
Yes, cauliflower is a keto-friendly vegetable. It’s low in carbs and high in fiber, making it a perfect choice for those following a keto diet. In fact, one cup of raw cauliflower contains only 3 grams of net carbs, which is the total carbs minus the fiber.
More Cauliflower Recipes
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Description
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika smoked
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F/200C.
- Add the cauliflower florets to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper and mix to coat.
- Add cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Roast them in the air fryer for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned on the edges.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.