My recipe for air fryer cauliflower is simple, quick, and full of flavor. I make it when I want a healthy side dish I know even my kids will be excited to eat!
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My Favorite Way to Make Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
I first tried making air fryer cauliflower when I had friends over for game night. I had some snacks and drinks planned, but I wanted a side that felt a little more fun than raw cauliflower on a veggie tray.
Instead of roasting it in the oven like I usually do, I chopped the cauliflower into florets, tossed them with olive oil and seasoning, then threw them in the air fryer. I was happy when the bites came out looking golden and crunchy, but I couldn’t believe when they disappeared almost as quickly as I set them out!
What cracked me up was that everyone assumed I’d spent forever roasting them in the oven to get the florets so crispy. I’ve oven-roasted, pan-fried, and even grilled cauliflower before, but air fryer roasted cauliflower is by far the crispiest!
For more air fryer cauliflower recipes, be sure to check out my air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, air fryer buffalo cauliflower, and air fryer frozen cauliflower!
Air fryer roasted cauliflower ingredients
- Cauliflower – I chop a fresh head into bite-size florets. I like using fresh cauliflower for the best texture, but pre-cut bags save time if I’m in a rush.
- Olive oil – This helps the seasoning stick and creates those crispy edges. Avocado oil works well too.
- Garlic and onion powder – These add flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the cauliflower.
- Italian seasoning – I love how this mix of herbs gives each bite a little extra flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – These classics go a long way for enhancing all the other ingredients in my air fryer cauliflower recipe.
How to cut cauliflower
I start by removing the outer leaves and slicing the head in half. From there, I cut around the core to release the florets, then break them down into smaller bite-size pieces.
If some florets are really large, I slice them in half so they roast more evenly. I’ve found this method keeps the prep quick and the pieces just the right size for crispy results.
How to make cauliflower in the air fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
STEP TWO: Chop and wash the cauliflower, then pat the florets dry with a clean towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
STEP THREE: Toss the cauliflower into a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and give everything a good toss until every piece is lightly coated.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the florets again.
STEP FIVE: Place the seasoned florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
STEP SIX: Air fry the florets for 12–15 minutes, turning the florets halfway through the cooking time to make sure everything cooks evenly. Start checking on them around the 10-minute mark so they don’t burn.
STEP SEVEN: Let the air fryer cauliflower cool for a minute and enjoy!
Tips for the best air fryer cauliflower
- I dry the florets thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels. This helps the oil and seasoning stick and prevents the florets from steaming instead of crisping.
- I use a large bowl for tossing so it’s easy to keep mixing until the oil and seasoning coat all the cauliflower florets evenly.
- Preheating the air fryer is my secret for getting the cauliflower to start crisping up right away.
- I keep the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and work in batches if necessary so the hot air can properly circulate.
- To roast the cauliflower evenly on all sides, I turn the florets halfway through the cooking time.
- I check for doneness starting at 10 minutes to make sure the cauliflower florets aren’t burning.
Roasted cauliflower in the air fryer variations and substitutions
- I sometimes add smoked paprika to the seasoning mixture to give my air fryer roasted cauliflower a warm, smoky flavor.
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end adds a salty, nutty finish. My kids love this cheesy version!
- When I’m craving some heat, I add a drizzle of hot sauce to the florets as soon as they come out of the air fryer.
- For a bright, fresh flavor, I’ll grate some lemon zest over my cauliflower in the air fryer to lighten everything up.
- On game day, I like to toss air fryer roasted cauliflower with Buffalo sauce for a tasty twist.
What to serve with roasted cauliflower
My roasted cauliflower in the air fryer pairs so well with classics like air fryer pork chops, air fryer chicken breast, or blackened mahi mahi for a tasty, healthy meal.
It’s also a great side to serve with air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer hamburgers, or fish sticks in the air fryer when I want something healthier than fries.
Air fryer cauliflower FAQs
How do I know when roasted cauliflower in the air fryer is done?
I start checking on my florets in the air fryer after 10 minutes, but usually cook them until the 12-minute mark. They should be fork tender with golden edges and a slight crisp.
Can I cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer?
I make frozen cauliflower in the air fryer all the time! I preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and toss the frozen florets with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once coated, I air fry for 14-16 minutes, turning them halfway through the cook time.
How should I store leftovers?
I store my leftover cauliflower air fryer recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I let the florets fully cool to avoid condensation that could make them soggy.
How do I reheat cauliflower in the air fryer?
To reheat, I start by preheating my air fryer to 375 degrees F. Once hot, I place the cauliflower in the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the florets are hot and regain some of their crispy edges.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer baked potato
- Air fryer sweet potato fries
- Air fryer carrots
- Air fryer acorn squash
- Air fryer broccoli
Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower chopped into bite-size pieces and washed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Toss the chopped cauliflower into a large mixing bowl, drizzle it with olive oil, and give it a good toss until every piece is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss the florets again.
- Place your seasoned florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer but be sure not to overcrowd them.
- Place them in the air fryer and cook them for 12–15 minutes, turning them halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly. Start checking on them around the 10-minute mark so they don't burn.
Notes
- Dry the florets thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels. This helps the oil and seasoning stick and prevents the florets from steaming instead of crisping.
- Preheating the air fryer is my secret for getting the cauliflower to start crisping up right away.
- Keep the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and work in batches if necessary so the hot air can properly circulate.
- Check for doneness starting at 10 minutes to make sure the cauliflower florets aren’t burning.
- Air fry frozen cauliflower in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees F for about 14 to 16 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer preheated at 375 degrees F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
