Air Fryer Cauliflower
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Air fryer cauliflower roasted with your favorite spices is a great way to get an easy and healthy side dish on the dinner table quickly!
Cauliflower cooked in the air fryer is your new dinner bestie! Easy to make and full of delicious flavor, this meal pairs perfectly with simple main courses like instant pot bbq chicken or garlic parmesan wings.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
Air Fryer Cauliflower
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Why you’ll love this easy air fried cauliflower recipe!
📌 Perfectly browned and delicious every time.
📌 Easy to flavor with all your favorite spice mixes.
📌 Dip or toss in your favorite dressings and sauces for even more flavor!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Ingredients
- Cauliflower – Fresh cauliflower florets.
- Oil – Olive oil is what we prefer, but if you find your air fryer smokes easily try avocado oil, peanut oil or sunflower oil.
- Seasonings – Paprika, salt, pepper (or your favorite seasoning blends).
How do you roast cauliflower in the air fryer? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, cut the florets away from the cauliflower head and rinse well. Place in a large mixing bowl.
⭐ Then, drizzle with oil and toss with spices to coat.
⭐ Next, place in a pre-heated air fryer, stopping halfway to shake the basket so the cauliflower cooks evenly.
⭐ Finally, continue cooking until cauliflower is golden brown and cooked to your desired tenderness.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Do you rinse cauliflower before cooking?
Yes, if using a whole head, cut florets off in bite size pieces, then rinse.
If using fresh pre-cut cauliflower, rinse the florets, trim off the bottom of the stems, and cut in bite sized pieces. Use a salad spinner or paper towel to dry before air frying.
Can you make air fryer cauliflower ahead of time?
These are really best enjoyed right away when they’re hot and crispy. You can get your prep going a day or two ahead by cutting and trimming the florets.
What seasonings for cauliflower cooked in the air fryer?
As written, we used paprika, salt and pepper. But you can use any of your favorite seasoned salts or seasoning blends.
Some great ideas are: fajita seasoning, dry ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, chili seasoning, and our simple spice rub blend.
How can you tell when air fryer cauliflower is done?
The cauliflower is finished when the outer edges and tops are turning golden browned and a little crispy. How browned and crispy will be a matter of preference, but we like them cooked for around 18 – 20 minutes.
Storage and leftovers
How long does air fryer cauliflower last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store in an airtight container for best results.
Can you freeze air fried cauliflower?
Yes, but they won’t be crispy anymore when thawed and reheated. We prefer to just cook and eat them on the same day.
How to reheat leftover cauliflower in the air fryer
To reheat, pop the florets back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 370F to crisp them back up. Watch closely.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
Is air fryer roasted cauliflower healthy? (nutritional information)
Cauliflower is super healthy and made in the air fryer with just a touch of oil and seasonings, maintains so much nutrition. Objectively speaking it’s low in calories (only 27 calories per cup of sprouts) and contains fiber, folate, and vitamins C, B6, and magnesium.
It even contains 2 grams of protein per cup!
Topping ideas
Jazz your cauliflower up even more with grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or serve them with homemade hollandaise sauce or sriracha mayo on the side (yum!). Try a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze, or a squeeze of lemon juice and garlic pepper.
It’s also great dipped in Japanese yum yum sauce, blue cheese dressing, or sweet and spicy bang bang sauce!
What type of air fryer is best?
This method will work in any brand air fryer that is at least 3 quarts. We’re partial to the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL.
What to eat with air fryer roasted cauliflower (serving suggestions)
Enjoy this easy side dish with Italian dressing chicken and a side salad or maybe our chicken alfredo or stuffed pepper casserole!
More awesome air fryer ideas
- Air fryer fried pickles
- Air fryer boiled eggs
- Air fryer roasted potatoes
- Air fryer french toast recipe
- Air fryer roasted carrots
- See all our easy air fryer recipes!
Other delicious cauliflower recipes
- Mashed cauliflower
- Oven roasted cauliflower
- Cauliflower rice recipe
- Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Cheesy cauliflower casserole
- See all our recipes made with cauliflower!
Tools we love
- Digital air fryer – We have (pictured) this Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. It’s great!
- Kitchen tongs – Every kitchen needs a good pair of tongs.
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How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium/small heads cauliflower about 6 - 8 cups florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred oil/fat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
- Carefully cut cauliflower florets off head into bite sized pieces. Rinse and dry.
- In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower florets and sprinkle with seasonings. Toss to coat.
- Place cauliflower in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Remove basket and toss so cauliflower cooks evenly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until your desired tenderness is reached.
Notes
Nutrition
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
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I could snack on this all day long!! The air fryer makes them perfectly crisp & it has the best flavor!! Paprika is one of my favorites!
Loved this air fryer cauliflower! Absolutely delicious!
This cauliflower was delicious! It’s so much faster in the air fryer then in the oven. Love that!
Can you use frozen cauliflower?
yes but they will be softer since freezing changes the texture