Take plain old cauliflower to the next level with the air fryer! This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe will become your new favorite way to eat this delicious vegetable! It’s easy, delicious, and your new go-to method for a healthy vegetable side dish.

Cauliflower florets in a bowl with yogurt and sour cream.

Using the air fryer is the perfect way to whip up a tasty side dish in a fraction of the time as roasting in the oven. Some of our favorite recipes to make in the air fryer are Air Fryer Corn on the Cob and Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries! For this recipe, we’re tossing some cauliflower florets in olive oil and spices and popping them into the air fryer. The result is super crispy cauliflower that perfectly compliments any main dish. And it’s low carb, making it the perfect keto-friendly recipe!

Roasted cauliflower with tahini and tahini sauce.

Why You’ll love Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Making cauliflower in the air fryer is a little different than the traditional roasting method. For one, you’re going to need an air fryer. The air fryer circulates food using hot air, similar to the convection oven setting on your oven. This helps the cauliflower to become super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a fraction of the oil as deep frying. It’s a super convenient way to cook vegetables that tastes amazing! Finish it off with some tasty dipping sauce, and you’ve got the perfect side dish!

A bowl of ingredients on a marble table.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Ingredients

  • Large cauliflower head
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Turmeric
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

How to Air Fry Cauliflower

First, cut the cauliflower into smaller florets for cooking. 

Cauliflower florets in a bowl on a marble countertop.

Next, mix the spices and oil in a large bowl. 

A bowl with a whisk and sauce in it.

Then, add the cauliflower and make sure it’s all coated.

Cauliflower florets in a bowl.

Put it in a single layer at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket every 5 minutes. Air fry until golden brown with crispy edges. 

Cauliflower in an air fryer on a marble countertop.

When it’s done, sprinkle some parsley, and you’re ready to enjoy your cooked cauliflower with your favorite dipping sauce. Super simple and tasty!

Roasted cauliflower in an air fryer.

Girl Carnivore Expert Recipe Tips

  • Play around with different seasonings like Italian seasoning and cayenne pepper, or toppings such as parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a different flavor profile!
  • Some great dipping sauce options are ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, chipotle mayo, or anything else you like!
  • If your cauliflower isn’t crispy after cooking in the air fryer, leave it in for a few more minutes. 
Roasted cauliflower in a bowl on a table.

What to Serve With Air-Fried Cauliflower

Keeping in the air fryer theme, serve up some main courses like Thick Pork Chops in the Air Fryer or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs to go alongside this delicious side dish!

Leftovers & Reheating

Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. 

To reheat, you have two options:

Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. 
  2. Place the leftover cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Microwave Method:

Note: We find that the cauliflower becomes soft and loses the crispy texture when microwaved.

  1. Place the leftover cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
  3. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated. 

More AIr Fryer Side Dish Recipes

Say goodbye to bland veggies and hello to crispy, flavorful perfection with every bite with this crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe!

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Air Fryer Cauliflower

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Roasted cauliflower in a bowl with sour cream.
Crispy cumin spiced cauliflower emerges from the air fryer with caramelized edges encasing tender florets for a flavorpacked healthy side or snack with just a quick toss in olive oil and air fryer magic.

Ingredients  

  • 1 large cauliflower head cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Cut the cauliflower into bite sized flourets and place in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
  • Add all the spices to a small mixing bowl.
  • Whisk until combined
  • Sprinkle the spices over the cauliflower.
  • Toss until fully coated.
  • Place the cauliflower into the air fryer basket and for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to help the cauliflower to cook evenly.
  • Remove the cauliflower from air fryer and serve with fresh parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Play around with different seasonings like Italian seasoning and cayenne pepper, or toppings such as parmesan cheese, buffalo sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a different flavor profile!
  • Some great dipping sauce options are ranch dressing, tzitziki sauce, buffalo sauce, chipotle mayo, or anything else you like!
  • If your cauliflower isn’t crispy after cooking in the air fryer, leave it in for a few more minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 626mg | Potassium: 470mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 252IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: air fryer
Author: Kita Roberts

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Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes! If you’ve got frozen cauliflower, just pop it into the air fryer without any oil or seasonings. Cook halfway, pull the basket out, and make the recipe as instructed. Cook for the remaining time until golden brown and crispy!

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Well, Hey, Y’all.

Kita is a multi-talented individual, boasting numerous accomplishments such as being an award-winning recipe developer, world-traveled professional photographer, and journalist. As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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