Super simple and delicious crispy Air Fryer cauliflower! Thanks to the Air Fryer, you can easily and quickly make a tasty cauliflower side dish with just a handful of ingredients in no time.
Roasted cauliflower makes such a wonderful side. It goes so well with many dishes, and it’s great in salads. I love roasting cauliflower to add to my buddha bowls, salads, and even soups like this curried cauliflower soup (it’s amazing!). It can also make a great low-calorie snack!
If you keep buying heads of cauliflower but never quite know what to do with them, this recipe is for you. This air fryer cauliflower is an easy side dish that comes together quickly and goes with just about anything. If you don’t have an air fryer, no problem. You can make it in the oven instead.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an air fryer, this is the one I love and recommend for everyday recipes like this. It cooks evenly, is easy to use, and has been great for vegetables, proteins, and quick weeknight meals.
And the reason why I love this Air Fryer cauliflower recipe so much is that you get the “fried” crisp taste and texture of cauliflower without actually frying it in oil. It uses just a fraction of the oil that you’d normally use, and the recipe is actually quite healthy.
How to Cut Cauliflower
Remove the leaves, and wash the cauliflower head. Pat completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Using a chef’s knife, cut off the cauliflower stalk so it can sit on your counter. Then slice it in half vertically, and remove the core while holding the knife at an angle. The florets will separate on their own, or use the tip of the knife to separate them.
Are Cauliflower Leaves and Stems Edible?
Yes! They’re completely edible. I always roast the leaves and serve them on the side. And I freeze the stems then use them in smoothies. You can also use them in soups, stir fry, or stews.
How to Season Cauliflower
After you’ve cut the cauliflower into florets, place them in a bowl so they’re easier to season. Drizzle with olive oil, and use your favorite seasonings. I usually go for turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sometimes I use my homemade seasonings that work so well here, such as the fajita seasoning and the taco seasoning.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower
For the crispiest cauliflower, arrange the florets in a single layer with a little space between them. If the basket is crowded, cook in batches so the cauliflower browns instead of steaming. Shake the basket a few times during cooking so the florets brown evenly.
For the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card below.
Oil-free Option
If you’re avoiding oil, you can leave it out. The texture will be a bit different, but it will still turn out delicious (the oil helps get crispy cauliflower).
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Florets?
You can, but make sure that it’s completely thawed before you roast it. Frozen cauliflower will produce a lot of moisture, which you don’t want as it will result in a “mushy” texture.
For more tasty sides in the Air Fryer, make sure to check out my air fryer mushrooms, air fryer corn on the cob, easy air fryer baked potato, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer kale chips!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower head cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil, then toss with turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper so that they're well coated in the seasoning.
- Arrange the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between the florets. Cook in batches if needed rather than overcrowding the basket.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so the cauliflower cooks and browns evenly.
- When the air frying process is done, remove from the air fryer basket and serve on a plate. It can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
Notes:
- Keep an eye on the cauliflower as it cooks, since air fryers and cauliflower florets can vary. Check and shake the basket every 5 minutes, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Use your favorite seasonings. You can add curry powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, etc.
- You can use avocado, or corn oil instead of olive oil.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Trish B. says
Made this recipe twice & was disappointed both times since the cauliflower florets never got crispy like the recipe name implies. First time, I made the recipe as instructed & thought, OK…maybe it’s my fault. When cooking this a 2nd time, I increased the temperature & total cooking time + reduced the amount of florets in the basket. The edges were brown, but the florets were still “al dente” (toothsome) rather than soft/tender. Both times, the cauliflower ended up more “steamed” than “roasted”. While the taste is fine, it’s a little underwhelming. Won’t be making this recipe again since I like cauliflower to be crisp/crunchy.
Diana says
Thanks for your feedback, Trish! Air fryer results can vary depending on the model and the size of the florets. Spacing them out well and tossing them halfway through can help with crispiness. That said, for truly crispy cauliflower, the only way to get there is by frying in lots of oil. Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you hoped!
Alan Wynne says
Mine did not come out crispy. Why? I followed your recipe precisely. Thanks for any help.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Each air fryer cooks a little bit differently. You can try cooking at a higher temperature next time, or cooking a bit less cauliflower in the basket so that there is more room for the air to circulate around the pieces. I hope you’ll try again!
Thena Reddy says
Thank you for this easy, tasty and quick snack. I love it.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
You’re very welcome, Thena. Enjoy!
Bethany says
Delicious flavors! I also tried a batch with some garlic powder, which was also tasty. Thanks for the recipe!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Hi Bethany! Thank you so much. You can add any of your favorite seasonings to the cauliflower. It’s delicious every time!
Janette says
Very tasty. I used avocado oil. it was delightful
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thank you so much for the review!