Air Fryer Cauliflower
Make weeknights more veg-tastic with a quick dish of Air Fryer Cauliflower, full of tender cauliflower florets and the perfect mix of spices!
Air Fryer Cauliflower is a great dish to make for all your favorite dinners, especially busy weeknights, and it comes together in just minutes! Fresh cauliflower florets mixed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and other spice cabinet staples create a savory veggie side with a hint of smokiness that makes this dish mouthwatering!
Simply Delicious
Cauliflower is a favorite around these parts but we still look for ways to prepare it differently, you know, shake things up a little! School, work, and kids’ activities don’t always leave a lot of time to get a full, delicious meal on the table, but Air Fryer Cauliflower knows how to save the day. Chopped florets tossed with olive oil and a mix of savory spices make a dish that is tender, flavorful, and, more importantly, quick! Air fryer cauliflower is one of our go-to sides because everyone loves it, and it’s ready in a snap!
The perfect side needs an outstanding main dish, like delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken or tender and juicy Air Fryer Pork Loin!
Other Recipes to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower
- For a quick and tasty breakfast, Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast Sticks are a high-five hit with the whole family!
- When you need a little sweetness after such a great dinner, try out Air Fryer Baked Apples for a wonderful sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cauliflower: To make this side dish, you will need a small head of cauliflower to chop into florets. You can also purchase pre-chopped florets from the grocery store if available.
Oil: You will need a little olive oil to coat the cauliflower.
Spices: For tons of delicious flavor, you will need salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sweet or spicy paprika, and ground cumin.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
STEP ONE: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sweet/spicy paprika, and cumin.
STEP TWO: Add the cauliflower florets to a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil mixed with spices over the cauliflower. Mix to coat evenly and thoroughly.
STEP THREE: Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket and fry at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket at least once during cooking. Use tongs to remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. Transfer it to a serving bowl or dinner plate and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Cut the cauliflower florets in roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Since each air fryer is different, start checking the cauliflower after 10 minutes for doneness and cook for 2 minutes at a time until tender. This will give you a good idea of how long it will take to fry the cauliflower next time you make this dish.
- If you like your cauliflower on the softer side (instead of crispy), cook the cauliflower at 360 degrees F for the first 8 minutes, then turn the heat up to 400 degrees F and cook until softened and browned to your liking.
How do I store leftover air fryer cauliflower?
For any leftovers you may have you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cauliflower for up to three months. To reheat the cauliflower, you can pop it back into the air fryer and fry at the same temperature for 2-3 minutes or until warm and crispy. Leftover crispy air fryer cauliflower is also great when added to other dishes or used in veggie salad bowls, so get creative with those leftovers!
Why are my vegetables not crispy in the air fryer?
The most common reason for non-crispy air fryer veggies is overcrowding. If the cauliflower is packed together or piled on top of itself, the moisture that is released while frying gets trapped, causing the veggie to steam rather than fry. If you have a small air fryer basket or are making a large batch of cauliflower, it’s a good idea to fry it in a few smaller batches so there is plenty of airflow between the veggies. This tip applies to any vegetable you put in an air fryer! Space is the key to crispy, delicious veggies.
More Great Air Fryer Veggies to Love!
- Air Fryer Asparagus Fries
- Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
- Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower (about 1 small head)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sweet or spicy paprika (see note)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Trim the cauliflower head and cut it into florets. Place the florets into a medium mixing bowl.
- Mix the olive oil and seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Pour the seasoned oil over the cauliflower and shake the bowl to coat the cauliflower.
- Pour the cauliflower into the air fryer basket and spread out so it's in an even layer. Cook at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Use tongs to transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use all smoked paprika if you prefer.
- Cooking time depends on your air fryer, on how big you cut the florets and on how soft you like your cauliflower. After ten minutes of cooking, keep going in 2-minute increments and check so the cauliflower doesn’t burn. After the first time you will know how your air fryer works with cauliflower.
- If you like your cauliflower rather soft, start the cooking process at 360 degrees F for the first 8 minutes. Then turn the heat up to 400F and cook until softened and browned to your liking.
