Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

Cauliflower has become a superstar in kitchens everywhere, and this Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe proves why! With its naturally delicious flavor and crisp texture, this dish is a breeze to make with just three simple ingredients. Whether you’re a cauliflower fan or a skeptic, this recipe delivers a perfectly golden, flavorful side dish in no time.

Cauliflower is having a moment right now… it is everywhere! With this recipe for Air Fryer Cauliflower you can enjoy perfectly browned and delicious cauliflower that is ready in 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cauliflower

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes. No complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients required!
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures the cauliflower gets beautifully browned and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. It’s so good, you might not even miss traditional fried foods!
• Healthy and Low-Carb: Cauliflower is a great option for those following keto, paleo, or vegan diets. With only 4 grams of carbs per serving, it fits into many healthy eating plans.
• Customizable Flavor: While delicious as is, this recipe is a blank canvas for spices, herbs, or toppings like Parmesan or nutritional yeast to suit your taste.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in the air fryer, there’s less mess to clean up, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

No air fryer? No problem – try this oven roasted cauliflower instead :)

It seems like the grocery store is all about cauliflower. I have seen everything made using cauliflower lately. This recipe doesn’t get crazy – it keeps cauliflower classic and delicious but uses an Air Fryer for a perfect crisp. This Air Fryer Cauliflower uses low-carb cauliflower and capitalizes on its naturally delicious flavor.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower

• Cauliflower – The star of the recipe, cauliflower is naturally mild and versatile, making it perfect for air frying.
• Olive Oil – Helps the cauliflower crisp up while adding a hint of richness.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the cauliflower with a simple yet satisfying seasoning.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Cauliflower is such a great option in the kitchen. It is a vegetable that can take on so many different flavors and can be prepared so many different ways. I love how versatile it is. That said, sometimes you don’t want to get wild with your dinner. This is such a simple way to prepare cauliflower. In fact, this Air Fryer Cauliflower might just be my very favorite cauliflower cooking method of all. I can probably thank my Air Fryer for the perfection that is this recipe. That kitchen tool has been a game changer!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

• Air Fryer: The key to achieving that perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for chopping the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the cauliflower with olive oil and ensuring an even coating.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure out the olive oil for precise cooking.

Three ingredients is all you need to have perfect cauliflower in your Air Fryer. You cannot beat this recipe in the simple and easy department. It only takes moments to prepare this dish and twenty-five total minutes and you’ll be enjoying this delicious side dish. After trying this Air Fryer Cauliflower, you’ll never want to prepare it any other way!

To make this delicious, low-carb, vegan recipe, all you need is a head of cauliflower, two tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper. That’s it! After cutting up your cauliflower into florets and tossing it in olive oil, simply put the cauliflower into the Air Fryer. Cook at 375 degrees for twenty minutes, giving the basket a nice shake halfway through. When time is up, take out the cooked cauliflower and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. It’s ready to enjoy!

Crispy and flavorful, this super easy recipe for Air Fryer Cauliflower will transform cauliflower haters into cauliflower lovers. If you try this recipe, be prepared to love it. With the ease of this preparation method, you’ll want to enjoy cauliflower from the Air Fryer every night of the week! With just four carbs per serving and such great flavor, I wouldn’t blame anyone for eating it seven nights a week! You just can’t beat this flavor!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this crispy air fryer cauliflower with a creamy dip like ranch, onion dip, or a spicy Sriracha mayo.
• Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty chicken stew.
• Toss the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative to buffalo wings.
• Add it to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, and a ranch dressing for a wholesome meal.
• Use it as a topping for quinoa salads or Mexican tortilla pizza for an added crunch and flavor boost.

Tips For Success

• Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Use a firm, fresh head of cauliflower with no brown spots or soft areas. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Cut Evenly Sized Florets: To ensure even cooking, try to cut the cauliflower into uniformly sized florets. This avoids smaller pieces burning before larger ones are done.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, which affects texture.
• Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and crispiness on all sides.
• Experiment with Flavors: While salt and pepper are classic, you can customize the cauliflower with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Different air fryer models may vary slightly in cooking time. Keep an eye on the cauliflower during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the cauliflower before air frying for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt and create a delightful crust.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or smoked paprika to give the cauliflower a spicy kick.
• Herbal Touch: Mix in dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant and flavorful result.
• Garlic Lovers: Toss the florets with minced garlic or garlic powder to infuse a rich, savory taste.
• Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle zest on top after cooking for a bright, zesty finish.
• Dipping Sauce Options: Pair the cauliflower with ranch dressing, tahini, or a spicy aioli for added flavor and variety.
• Low-Oil Option: Use a light cooking spray instead of olive oil for an even lighter dish while retaining crispiness.
• Buffalo Style: Toss the cauliflower with buffalo sauce after air frying for a plant-based wing alternative.
• Indian Spices: Add turmeric, cumin, and coriander for a flavorful Indian-inspired variation.
• Asian Flavors: Drizzle with soy sauce or sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired side.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover cauliflower in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: Reheat the cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes.
• Microwave Option: For a quicker method, reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes. Note that this may result in softer cauliflower rather than a crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, it’s best to thaw and pat it dry with paper towels before air frying to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Simply place the cauliflower in the basket and start cooking.

What other oils can I use instead of olive oil?

You can use avocado oil, coconut oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point. Each will add a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference.

How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?

Make sure the florets are completely dry before tossing them with oil. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can cause steaming instead of crisping.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts pair well and can be cooked using the same method. Be sure to adjust cooking times if needed for different sizes or textures.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How do I make this recipe more filling?

Serve the cauliflower over rice, quinoa, or pasta, or pair it with protein-rich dishes like grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.

If you like this air fryer cauliflower, you will also like these other cauliflower recipes:

• Instant Pot Cauliflower – if you are a gadget lover and own an Instant Pot in addition to air fryer, you must try making cauliflower in the Instant Pot as well!
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower – you don’t have to break the cauliflower into florets in order to roast it! Roast it whole, less work!
• Parmesan Cauliflower – roasted cauliflower goes so well with Parmesan, yum yum! You can replicate this recipe in the air fryer by adding Parmesan as well!
• Cauliflower Fried Rice – OMG this stuff tastes like real fried rice, so mouthwatering!  You just have to try it to believe it! Perfect for low carb diets!
• Buffalo Cauliflower – this is an awesome plant-based alternative to Buffalo wings!

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Browse my air fryer recipe collection.