Air Fryer Cauliflower
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My air fryer cauliflower recipe yields crispy, golden, and tender florets in just 12 minutes. It’s perfect for side dishes, salad toppers, bowls, and more.
I think cauliflower is my favorite vegetable, so cooking it weekly is not uncommon. I used to rely on my curry roasted cauliflower, but was inspired to see how it would fare in the air fryer. Well, spoiler alert: you get the same crispy, roasted texture, with those golden edges and tender centers in a fraction of the time.
It did take a little bit of tweaking, though, to get the right balance of oil (yes, even in an air fryer, you need a little fat) and cauliflower, but I think I nailed it. I usually stick with simple seasonings, but it’s easy to change up depending on the meal- my partner loves it with some grated Parmesan, whereas my mom and sister love it with curry spices (like my roasted version). It’s one of those sides that’s almost too easy for how good it tastes.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- Quick. Because it cooks in just 12 minutes, it’s perfect when I need a veggie to round out a meal.
- Healthy. Like air fryer buffalo cauliflower, I use only a touch of oil for maximum crispiness. Cauliflower is packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein and has very little fat.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make air-fried cauliflower. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Cauliflower. Pick a clean, firm cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets. The easiest way is to make quarters and separate florets from the stem. You can also use two smaller heads of cauliflower.
- Olive oil. I recommend using some fat to give the edges that crispy texture without being dry. Olive oil is my go-to, but other cooking oils, like avocado or vegetable oil, will also work.
- Spices. Cumin is a must because it pairs so well with cauliflower. I round it out with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
How to air fry cauliflower
Step 1- Prep. Wash, clean, and pat dry the cauliflower florets. Toss them in a large bowl with the seasonings and oil.
Step 2- Air fry. Lay the seasoned florets in a single layer in the cooking basket and air-fry them for 12 minutes.
Step 3- Garnish and serve. Remove the air-fried cauliflower from the basket once you get the crispy brown edges.
What to serve with this
Cauliflower, in any shape or form, goes well with pretty much anything! In our household, it’s a popular side dish with simple protein! This includes crispy baked chicken thighs or pan-seared salmon.
My Ninja DZ201 Dual Air Fryer has two air fryer baskets, so I like to cook air fryer proteins in it as the cauliflower cooks for a quick and easy dinner. Some popular options include air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer salmon, and air fryer tilapia.
Other air fryer veggies you can cook at the same time include air fryer frozen broccoli or air fryer corn on the cob.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Cook the cauliflower in a single layer so it cooks evenly and completely. This is something I harp on about in my forthcoming air fryer cookbook in every single recipe: the air fryer can only work its magic when it can circulate around each vegetable (or whatever you are air frying). If needed, air fry in batches.
- Pat the cauliflower dry. Before seasoning them, please. This ensures the cauliflower turns out crispy. Even a tiny bit of moisture can steam it instead of air frying it.
- Shake the air fryer several times throughout for even cooking on all sides. My rule of thumb for vegetables is at least two times.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. I tested this recipe using frozen cauliflower, and it works well. The only thing I suggest is seasoning and cooking the cauliflower from frozen (no thawing) so it comes out crispy, not mushy.
The easiest way to tell if cauliflower is cooked is to pierce the stalk with a fork. If it pierces easily, the cauliflower is cooked and ready to eat. I also suggest checking the cauliflower at the 10-minute mark.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Video
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower chopped into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Wash and clean the cauliflower and pat dry. Add it to a mixing bowl, then toss through the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Add a single layer of cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket several times throughout.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make a panko-parmesan coating. For a cauliflower popcorn variation, coat the florets with an egg wash, then roll them in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Follow the steps in the recipe for air-frying and enjoy this filling appetizer.
- Glaze with a sauce. Once you have air fried the cauliflower, finish it with a glaze or a flavorful sauce (Family favorites include katsu sauce, bulgogi sauce, or hot honey sauce!).
- Change up the seasonings. Toss through some Italian seasoning, add curry powder, onion powder, garlic powder, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
More vegetable air fryer recipes
Originally published May 2023
CAN YOU USE FROZEN CAULIFLOWER FROM THE BAG
FROM THE STORE
It is really good. I prepared yesterday and nice salad.
I actually never thought caulflower can be made in air fryers. I was only cooking it so far.
Anxious to try, looking forward to eating s soo as I get it cooked 😁
So good! Definitely trying again!
I steamed my cauliflower and then used this recipe and threw it into the air fryer. I found they were less burnt this way.
I always thought csulflower is too fragile for air fryer. Apparently not! So really need to give it a shot!
Excited to try this 🙂 I notice cumin was left off the recipe part of the ingredients but mentioned in the narrative. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes.
Ohhh I’ll fix it 🙂
Wow so healthy and interesting dish!
Hi just about to try this is the cauliflower soft inside and not hard from this short cooking time?
Nope 🙂 If you are worried you can chop them into smaller florets 🙂
Cumin wasn’t in the video either, so I was wondering if it’s either smoked paprika OR cumin.
So good and easy!
Thanks, Jamie!
Sounds delicious and trying it asap!
Please do Karen!
Best air fryer cauliflower recipe EVER!