Air Fryer Cauliflower
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty vegetable side dish, this Air Fryer Cauliflower will instantly become a favorite.The air fryer transforms simple cauliflower florets into crispy, golden bites with tender centers—without needing much oil.It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for:
Quick dinners
Healthy snacking
Meal prep
Pairing with chicken, fish, or rice bowls
And the best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 5–7 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 17–22 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Basic Air Fryer Cauliflower
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
½ tsp onion powder (optional, adds great flavor)
Optional Add-ins
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish
2 tbsp grated Parmesan for cheesy crust
1 tsp curry powder (for an Indian-style twist)
Instructions
Prep the Cauliflower
Wash and pat-dry the cauliflower.
Cut into evenly sized florets for even cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Season the Florets
In a bowl, add cauliflower + olive oil + garlic powder + paprika + salt + pepper (and any optional spices).
Toss well to coat evenly.
Air Fry
Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Check for Doneness
They should be:
Crispy and golden on the edges
Tender inside
Cook an extra 2–3 minutes if you want more crispiness.
Finish & Serve
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Sprinkle parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Grilled chicken or salmon
Rice bowls
Wraps and sandwiches
Yogurt garlic dip or ranch
Hummus
Perfect as a snack or a side!
Tips
Dry cauliflower well for maximum crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
Add 1 tsp cornstarch to the seasoning for extra crunch.
For a buttery flavor, use melted garlic butter instead of oil.
Shake the basket halfway for even browning.
Variations
Spicy Masala Cauliflower
Add:
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin
Parmesan Cauliflower
After cooking, toss with:
2–3 tbsp Parmesan
½ tsp Italian herbs
Lemon Herb Cauliflower
Add after frying:
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh dill or parsley
Buffalo Cauliflower
After air frying, toss with:
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp melted butter
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cauliflower is a game-changer—crispy, flavorful, healthy, and ultra-fast. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with spices, it’s a versatile side dish you can enjoy every day.