I love cauliflower. In my opinion, it’s a very underrated vegetable. It’s versatile, can be made into so many things (soup! main courses! side dishes!), plus it’s nutrient dense and full of fiber.
If you are looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare this, then you must try this air fryer cauliflower recipe.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, I love my air fryer. I’ve shared many recipes you can make in an air fryer and this one is great. It’s healthy, flavorful, quick, and inexpensive.
Related: Looking for more ways to prepare cauliflower? Try Roasted Cauliflower, Cauliflower and Leek Soup, Cauliflower Crust Pizza, or Cauliflower Au Gratin.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
Prepare the head of cauliflower by cutting off the bottom stem with any leaves that remain. Then, cut into bite-size florets.
In a small bowl, toss the cauliflower in the oil, spices, salt and pepper.
Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes. Halfway through the time (7 or 8 minutes is fine), pause the air fryer and give the basket a good toss so the cauliflower pieces get tossed around.
Serve warm with a main dish. If you have any fresh herbs like chives or parsley, you can toss a few tablespoons over the top, but this is optional.
Tips & Substitutions
- It’s best not to overcrowd the air fryer pan if possible. One medium to small head of cauliflower should fit in most air fryer baskets just fine. I have an air fryer with two baskets so I can air fry two heads of cauliflower at once.
- If cayenne just isn’t your thing or you want to make this less spicy (heat), you can swap it for paprika or another spice you prefer.
- Toss a little grated Parmesan cheese over this just as it comes out of the air fryer and is still hot. It’s so good!
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer cauliflower is a great side dish to almost any main course, like:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Yes, you can. It’s not necessary for air fryer cauliflower or most dishes that won’t stick to the grates. But using parchment paper can help with clean up, so it’s up to you.
Are cauliflower leaves and stems edible?
Yes, they are. While I usually cut them off and discard them, for most recipes you can certainly eat them or save them for things like homemade vegetable stock.
Can I air fry cauliflower without oil?
Yes. If you are avoiding oil, you can follow this recipe but simply leave the oil out (or swap for a different oil/fat like coconut oil or melted butter). The final texture will be a little different and slightly less crispy, but it will still be yummy.
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Crispy and flavorful cauliflower – a great side dish
Instructions
-
Prepare the head of cauliflower by cutting off the bottom stem with any leaves that remain.
-
Then, cut into bite-size florets.
-
In a small bowl, toss the cauliflower in the oil, spices, salt and pepper.
-
Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes.
-
Halfway through the time (7 or 8 minutes is fine), pause the air fryer and give the basket a good toss so the cauliflower pieces get tossed around.
-
Serve warm.
Notes
- It’s best not to overcrowd the air fryer pan if possible. One medium to small head of cauliflower should fit in most air fryer baskets just fine. I have an air fryer with two baskets so I can air fry two heads of cauliflower at once.
- If cayenne just isn’t your thing or you want to make this less spicy (heat), you can swap it for paprika or another spice you prefer.
- Toss a little grated Parmesan cheese over this just as it comes out of the air fryer and is still hot. It’s so good!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
