What is your latest kitchen obsession? Air Fryer cauliflower. If you’re anything like me, you are always looking for ways to make veggies more exciting, and I can’t stop myself from doing it! I used to dread making cauliflower, it always came out mushy. But this? Is it so easy to cheat? Think of it like the healthy cousin of fried chicken – all the satisfying crunch, none of the guilt! What is the best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes. I swear, even my pickiest eater devours this stuff. What is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just want something quick, healthy, and easy to eat? What is a cauliflower air fryer?
What is an air fryer cauliflower?
What is an air fryer for cauliflower? What do cauliflower florets look like when they’re tossed in a flavorful coating and then steamed? What is the best way to cook in an air fryer? What is the best way to roast cauliflower? What are the best parts of roasted cauliflower? The tender interior – and speeding up the process while using way less oil. The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around the cauliflower, creating a crispy, crunchy texture. What is the golden brown crust that is irresistible? What are some great side dishes to serve as a snack? What is it all about taking a vegetable and turning it into something truly crave-worthy?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to cook cauliflower in an air fryer? First and foremost, the mind.What are some of the best flavor combinationsWe’re talking a perfectly balanced blend of savory, slightly spicy, and totally addictive. I use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper to create smoky flavor. What are some of the best coatings that are bursting with flavor What I love about this is how simple it is.Is it easier to make?What’s the best way to cook cauliflower? You just chop it, whisk together the spices, toss it all together, and pop it in the oven. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Just simple, straightforward cooking that delivers amazing results.cost-efficientCauliflower is a relatively inexpensive vegetable, and the spices are things you probably already have. What should I have in my pantry?And the versatility!What is a cauliflower air fryer? Can you serve it as a side dish with Grilled Chicken or fish, add it to salads, or even use it for frying? What is the best topping for taco What’s a good dipping sauce to serve with sriracha mayo? My family is very picky and they actually ask for this to be made every single week. In fact, it has become a staple in our house because of how quick and easy to make the *air fryer. What is cauliflower?
How do I make an air fryer for cauliflower?
Quick Overview
What is the gist of it? What’s the best way to chop cauliflower into bite-sized florets? What is the best way to air fry a chicken until golden brown. Is it really that easy? How do you not overcrowd an air fryer basket? How do I get that perfect crispiness? Is it safe to roast cauliflower in the oven? How does an air fryer make cooking easier?
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower: How
– 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets. I like to choose a head that is firm and heavy for its size.
For the Coating:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil. You can substitute with avocado oil or another neutral oil if you prefer.
– 1 teaspoon paprika. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor, but regular Paprikan works just fine.
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it really adds a lot of flavor! I always use fresh garlic powder.
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Same as above, fresh is best. You can also use garlic and onion salt.
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave this out. What’s a little cayenne pepper?
– 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sea salt or kosher salt are both great options.
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground black Pepper is always best. I like to grind it very fine.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just let it run at 400°F for about 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook cauliflower How do you cook cauliflower? I also like to lightly grease the air fryer basket with a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray. To prevent sticking. Can you use parchment paper?
Step 2: Chop the Cauliflower
Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You want them to be roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. I find that florets that are about 1-2 inches in diameter work best. Make sure to trim off any tough stems or leaves. Wash the florets in a collander.
Step 3: Make the Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add to the bowl. Taste and adjust. Salt, pepper, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. Where the magic happens, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs. How do you find the perfect flavor combination?
Step 4: Toss the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the spice mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Is it necessary to cover every single floret with spices? I find that using my hands works best for this, but you can also use a spatula or large spoon.
Step 5: Air Fry
Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. How do I keep cauliflower from overcrowding the basket? If necessary, cook cauliflower in batches. Is it necessary to air fry cauliflower for 12-15 minutes? How long does it take for an air fryer to cook? In my testing experience, the *air fryer cauliflower* is done when it can be pierced with a fork. Without any resistance.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Remove cauliflower from air fryer and serve immediately. I like to serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or even just squeezed lemon. What is the use of lemon juice? What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, fish, or steak?
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve cauliflower in an air fryer? What are some of my favorite pairings?
As a side dish: What are some good sideWhat are the best recipes for cauliflower with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a juicy steak? Is there a healthy and flavorful element to any meal?
As a Snack:Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for an easy meal. What are some guilt-free snacks?
In Salads:Add it to your favorite salad for a boost of flavor and texture. Is it good in a Caesar salad?
In Tacos:What is a good topping for tacos or burritos?
My kids will sometimes eat a plate of this *air fryer cauliflower* for dinner. Why do people love it so much? I feel good about them eating it because it’s a healthy and delicious way to eat. How do I get my veggies in?
How do I perfect my air fryer Cauliflower?
How do I take my air fryer cauliflower to the next level?
Don’t overcrowd the basket!What is the most important tip? Make sure to arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Can overcrowding the basket prevent the cauliflower from getting crispy?
Adjust the Cooking Time: The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it and adjust as needed. You want the cauliflower to be tender and golden brown, but not burnt.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. Some other great options include curry powder, cumin, chili powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add a Sauce: Toss the cooked cauliflower in your favorite sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, and barbecue sauce are all great options.
Use Fresh Cauliflower: I find that fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower tends to be a bit too watery, which can prevent it from getting crispy. Also remember to properly wash the *air fryer cauliflower* to make sure you don’t get sick.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and crispy results. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just let it run at 400°F for a few minutes before adding the cauliflower.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover air fryer cauliflower, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until it’s heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave, but it won’t be as crispy.
Room Temperature: I really advise against this but if you must, store at room temperature no longer than 2 hours. This is to avoid bacteria growth and getting sick.
Refrigerator Storage: Stored properly, the *air fryer cauliflower* will be good for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it properly in a air tight container.
Freezer Instructions: Personally, I would make this fresh, but if you must, you can store for up to 3 months in the freezer. I highly recommend thawing the cauliflower before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for the crispiest, most flavorful air fryer cauliflower. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that I make over and over again because it’s so easy, so delicious, and so versatile. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think! If you’re looking for other easy air fryer recipes, be sure to check out my air fryer broccoli and air fryer Brussels sprouts recipes. And as always, happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out and see all of your delicious variations in the comments below!

Air fryer cauliflower
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut cauliflower into florets.
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until cauliflower is tender and slightly browned.