This recipe for Air Fryer Cauliflower is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare cauliflower. Seasoned to perfection and then air-fried until golden and crispy, Air Fryer Cauliflower is downright delectable.

Air Fryer Cauliflower makes a great side dish for entrees such as Homemade Rotisserie Chicken or Chicken Parmesan. Or serve as an appetizer with a side of Homemade Tartar Sauce or Homemade Ranch Dressing for dipping.

Air Fryer Cauliflower in silver baket next to ranch dressing.

While the air fryer is known for mimicking the texture and crispiness of classically heavy fried dishes lighter, it is also perfect for roasting vegetables to golden perfection without the need for much oil.

One of my favorite vegetables to prepare in the air fryer is cauliflower.

What You Need

Cauliflower, seasonings, and oil on counter.

Cauliflower: Purchase a head of cauliflower and cut it into florets yourself, or use a bag of cauliflower florets to save on prep time.
Oil: You only need a tiny bit of oil when roasting cauliflower in the air fryer. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.
Seasoning: You can use whatever seasoning you like for the cauliflower, and I share many options below, however, I tend to keep it simple and use garlic, paprika, and salt. If you have smoked paprika on hand, I suggest using that for incredible flavor.
Air Fryer: This recipe will work with any air fryer you have. I personally have a basic GoWise Air Fryer that has worked well for me. You can even prepare this using the air fryer lid for the instant pot.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

Wash the head of cauliflower and pat dry.
Cut in half vertically and then cut around the core of the cauliflower to form florets.

Cauliflower on chopping board cut into florets.

Place the florets into a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and seasonings of your choice and toss to coat.

Spread out the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the basket or on the tray of your air fryer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer with cauliflower, instead work in batches to air fry the cauliflower if needed. Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the air from evenly circulating around the cauliflower, preventing it from getting golden and crispy.
Air fry the cauliflower at 380 degrees, tossing every 3 minutes, until browned and tender. This will take anywhere from 9 to 15 minutes depending on how crispy you are desiring your cauliflower. Keep in mind cauliflower can brown quickly, hence why it is best to check on it every few minutes.

Cauliflower in Air Fryer before and after air frying.

Serving Suggestions

The options for serving Air Fryer Cauliflower are endless, but I want to share with you a few of my favorite options.

Serve as an appetizer with a side of ranch dressing or tartar sauce.
Serve as a side dish alongside Baked Salmon or Grilled BBQ Chicken.
Serve in homemade tortillas with a scoop of guacamole for a quick and healthy version of Cauliflower Tacos.

Basket of air fried cauliflower next to air fryer.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat by air frying for 3-6 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes at 370 degrees F.

Flavor Modifications

Buffalo: Season cauliflower as directed and then toss with your favorite buffalo sauce after air frying. Serve with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese.
Barbecue: Prepare the cauliflower as the recipe states and then toss it with homemade barbecue sauce before serving.
Ranch: Season cauliflower with ½ teaspoon oil and 2 teaspoons Ranch Seasoning before air frying.
Tex Mex: Toss cauliflower with ½ teaspoon oil and 2 teaspoons Taco Seasoning or Fajita Seasoning.
Savory Onion: Toss cauliflower with ½ teaspoon oil and 2 teaspoons Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
Cajun: Toss cauliflower with ½ teaspoon oil and 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning.

More Air Fryer Favorites

If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Air Fryer Cauliflower, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Perfectly seasoned and crispy, Air Fryer Cauliflower makes an easy, healthy side dish or appetizer.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 85kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

▢ 1 head of cauliflower or about 3 cups of florets
▢ ½ teaspoon oil
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

If needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
Wash the head of cauliflower and pat dry. Cut in half vertically and then cut around the core of the cauliflower to form florets.
In a medium mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
Spread the florets out in a single layer, evenly spaced out, in the basket or tray of the air fryer. Working in batches if needed, so as not to overcrowd the air fryer.
Air fry the cauliflower, checking and tossing every 3 minutes at 380 degrees F until browned and crispy. This will take anywhere from 9-15 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer

Notes

Cauliflower: Keep in mind, that smaller florets will brown quicker than larger florets. I personally like to have some variation in char, so I don’t mind if my florets are not the exact same size. However, you don’t want a large variation in sizes.

Oil: Feel free to use canola, avocado, or olive oil. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray to evenly coat the cauliflower.

Doubling the Recipe: If you need to work in batch or you are preparing double the recipe, keep in mind that the second batch may brown quicker than the first.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat by air frying for 3-6 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes at 375 degrees F.

Nutrition

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