Air fryer cauliflower is my favorite—crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy! It’s all about the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a side dish that’s healthy and downright delicious.
The air fryer turns cauliflower into a crispy delight in minutes. Once you try it, you’ll never return to the soggy, bland cauliflower florets you remember as a kid.
This air fryer cauliflower is perfectly tender inside with a browned and crispy exterior. Whether you want a healthy snack, a simple side dish, or a low-carb alternative to fries, it delivers every time.
And it is ridiculously easy! In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this fantastic dish. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best cauliflower to seasoning tips and even how to store any leftovers.
Looking for more easy air fryer veggie recipes? Try air fryer Brussels sprouts, garlic parmesan corn, or air fryer mushrooms.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cauliflower: Pick a fresh, medium-sized head. Look for one that’s firm and white, without any brown spots.
- Olive Oil
- Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Wedges & Fresh Herbs: These are optional for garnishing.
🥣How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Take the leaves off the head of cauliflower and cut it into even florets. The more evenly you slice the florets, the more evenly everything will brown.
- Put the cauliflower in a large bowl and add the oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir it well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Put the florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the cauliflower, you might need to cook in two batches.
- Air fry at 390 degrees F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
🍴Serving Ideas
Now, let’s discuss how to serve this delicious air-fried cauliflower. First, it pairs wonderfully with just about any main course. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s a great way to add a healthy veggie to your meal without sacrificing flavor.
Or toss these crispy florets into a fresh salad for an added crunch. They go great with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. These cauliflower bites are also perfect for snacking. Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy aioli.
Stuff these flavorful florets into a whole wheat wrap or pita with some hummus, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tahini. You can even add them to your tacos for an unexpected twist!
💭How to Store
Any leftover cauliflower should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
When you’re ready to eat it, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture. I’ve found that microwaving doesn’t do it justice. Place it back in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.
If you find yourself with a lot of leftover cauliflower, get creative! You can chop it up and add it to a frittata, stir it into a pasta dish, or even blend it into a creamy soup. It’s a great way to reduce food waste.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- When cutting your cauliflower, aim for uniform florets. This ensures even cooking. If some pieces are too big, they’ll be undercooked, while smaller pieces might burn.
- It’s tempting to throw all the cauliflower in at once but resist the urge. Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly, which means your cauliflower won’t get as crispy. If you have a lot, cook it in batches.
- Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket well or flip the florets with tongs. This ensures even cooking and helps all sides get that golden-brown crispiness.
- While the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper combo is fantastic, feel free to mix it up. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. My family loves it when I sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for the last few minutes of cooking.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or cilantro can add flavor and color. And don’t forget the lemon wedges – a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully.
📝Reader Questions
You can use frozen cauliflower, but fresh is definitely better for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more water, making it less crispy. If you use frozen, thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
No worries! While smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor, you can substitute regular paprika or chili powder for a different twist.
The cauliflower is done when it’s tender inside and crispy outside. The florets should be a nice golden-brown color. If unsure, you can always taste a piece (chef’s privilege!).
Absolutely! If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can spray the cauliflower lightly with cooking spray or even skip the oil altogether. Just keep in mind that the cauliflower will not get as crispy without the oil, and the spices will not stick as well.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- lemon wedges optional, for garnish
- fresh herbs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into florets.1 medium head cauliflower
- In a large bowl, add the olive oil and seasoning. Stir to mix.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl, and with the help of a spoon or with your hands, stir the cauliflower florets to distribute the mixture equally over all the florets.
- Place the florets in the baskets of the Air Fryer in one layer. You may need to cook them in two batches.
- Cook at 390 degrees F for 12 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through.
- Serve hot garnish and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs like thyme.lemon wedges, fresh herbs
Notes
- When cutting your cauliflower, aim for uniform florets. This ensures even cooking. If some pieces are too big, they’ll be undercooked, while smaller pieces might burn.
- Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket well or flip the florets with tongs. This ensures even cooking and helps all sides get that golden-brown crispiness.
- While the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper combo is fantastic, feel free to mix it up. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. My family loves it when I sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for the last few minutes of cooking.
- You can use frozen cauliflower, but fresh is definitely better for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more water, making it less crispy. If you use frozen, thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
