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Every time I make this Air fryer cauliflower recipe, it comes out as a quick and delicious side dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a side dish, or even a low carb alternative to fries, this easy recipe is a must try!
Air frying cauliflower takes less time than roasting and gives it a perfectly crispy texture without needing a lot of extra oil. It’s a simple way to enjoy cauliflower, without a lot of prep or cooking time.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s easy to switch up seasoning flavors for variety. It’s perfect for picky eaters, and of course, it’s yummy to serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
No matter how you make it, air fryer cauliflower is an easy side dish that pairs with almost every meal!
For more delicious vegetable recipes, try air fryer acorn squash, air fryer stuffed mushrooms, or air fryer okra.
Ingredients You Need
- cauliflower- About 3 cups of florets.
- olive oil- Helps crisp up the florets while cooking.
- smoked paprika- Adds a mild smoky flavor.
- garlic powder- Enhances the taste with a savory kick.
- kosher salt- Brings out the natural flavors.
- black pepper- Adds a gentle flavor of heat.
Variations
- Spicy Cauliflower: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
- Cheesy Cauliflower: Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
STEP 1: Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower. Use a sharp knife to cut the head into bite sized florets. Be sure to remove all of the leaves.
STEP 2: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
STEP 3: Place the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees F (193 degrees C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
STEP 4: Remove from the air fryer once the cauliflower is golden and crispy. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.
Tips
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches to ensure even crispiness.
- Shake halfway through: This helps achieve an evenly golden texture.
- Customize flavors: Experiment with different seasonings and toppings.
- Serve immediately: Air-fried cauliflower is best when fresh and crispy.
FAQ’S
Yes! Increase the cook time by 3-4 minutes and pat dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes until it’s crispy again. You can reheat it in the microwave, but sometimes that takes the crisp out of the leftovers and they may not be as crispy.
You can, but the oil helps with crispiness, and helps the seasonings stick to the pieces. You can also use melted butter if you prefer to skip the olive oil.
Try ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes
Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Appetizers
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers
Desserts
Air Fryer Candied Walnuts
Appetizers
Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, about 3 cups of florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife cut to remove the stem and then cut into bite size cauliflower florets. You can also start with 3 cups of fresh cauliflower already cut.
- Place the florets into a medium mixing bowl. Toss cauliflower with olive oil and other seasonings, until fully coated.
- Place seasoned cauliflower into air fryer basket. Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the air frying process, until cauliflower reaches your desired crispness.
- Remove cauliflower from air fryer and serve while hot. If you wanted to make these cheesy add cheese as soon as it's done air frying so it will melt evenly over cauliflower.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
