Extra crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower is a 15-minute recipe full of flavor, and is SO easy to make. Florets are lightly coated in oil, seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, and then air fried until golden and crunchy. This will become your new go-to low-carb, keto, and vegan side dish for weeknight dinners!
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While some either LOVE or HATE cauliflower, I can promise you this – they won’t be able to resist these flavor-packed florets when they’re made in the air fryer.
Yup… I’d say it’s a winner for dinner!
These crispy bites are also great as a snack or an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower. One large head of cauliflower weighs roughly 1 pound and will give you about 4-5 cups of chopped florets. If you have more or less than this the cook time may need to be adjusted.
- Paprika. Regular paprika or smoked may be used.
- Garlic powder. Or if you prefer, fresh garlic cloves can be substituted.
- Salt and pepper. Season to taste.
- Other Seasonings. Feel free to change up the spices to use whatever you have on hand! Blackened Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, or Taco Seasoning are all great options.
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
- Cut into florets. You’ll want to cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make the florets as close to the same size as possible so they will cook up evenly. You can also leave as little or as much of the stems on as you’d like.
- Season the cauliflower. In a large bowl, whisk the oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until it is well incorporated. Use a spatula to stir the florets in the seasoning until they are all coated.
- Cook in the air fryer. Heat to 370°F. Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Toss the basket halfway through to ensure all of the florets crisp up evenly.
- Serve. Garnish the cauliflower with a sprinkle of paprika and finely chopped parsley. You can also pair it with dipping sauces like Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Sauce, or Spicy Sriracha Mayo.
FAQs
This recipe was created using a 6-quart Air Fryer. However, a smaller or larger version may also be used.
If using a 4-5 quart model, you may need to increase your cook time by a few minutes. If using a larger appliance, you’ll want to decrease your cook time by 1-2 minutes.
It is not recommended to cook cauliflower completely oil-free. Two tablespoons is just the right amount to evenly coat about 5 cups of cauliflower florets. You can reduce this amount to 1 tablespoon or even spritz it with some non-stick cooking spray.
A higher smoke point oil is best for air frying, such as avocado or safflower oil. Olive oil may also be used but you’ll want to make sure to keep your cooking temperature below 375°F.
Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To freeze, seal in a freezer-safe airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just note the texture may change.
Return cauliflower florets to a 350°F air fryer until warm for the best results.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
If you want a few other simple vegetable side dish ideas to make quickly, you should try these:
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower about 4-5 cups
- 2 tablespoons oil olive or avocado
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Parsley optional
Instructions
- Heat air fryer to 370°F for at least 3 minutes.
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.1 large head cauliflower
- Whisk together oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.2 tablespoons oil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add cauliflower florets and stir until they are well coated in the sauce.
- Place cauliflower into the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, tossing the basket halfway through. (This may take more or less time depending on the size of the florets and the amount you have.)
- Serve cauliflower with a sprinkle of paprika and finely chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!Parsley
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Video
Notes
- Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets as uniformly as possible so they cook at the same rate.
- Flavor: Try a variety of seasonings each time you make this recipe.
- Air Fryer: Warm it up for at least 3 minutes before you start to cook for best results.
- Storage: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezing: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just note the texture may change.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This really is delicious and the oil keeps it firm as it cooks. I didn’t use as much oil and it still came out fine.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
Can I use frozen cauliflower
Of course! However, you will want to make sure to thaw the cauliflower and dry it thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe for the best results.
I made this tonight for the first time. My husband was all excited and said it was a keeper. I made it with balsamic salmon. The juice from the salmon made an AWESOME “gravy”. Will definitely make this again!.
Oh I bet that paired together beautifully! So happy you and the hubby enjoyed it so much. Thanks for the comment and rating!