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If you love roasted cauliflower with caramelized edges, you’ll love this Air Fryer Cauliflower! It roasts up crispy and golden brown in less time than the oven, and it makes the perfect side dish, snack or appetizer!
You guys, this might be my new favorite way to enjoy roasted cauliflower!
Okay, this roasted parmesan cauliflower will always hold a special place in my heart (because who can resist parmesan roasted anything!?) but this air fryer cauliflower is pretty irresistible too.
It roasts up perfectly golden brown in the air fryer in just 15 minutes, and it requires minimal oil!
We’ve been enjoying it as a snack with this spicy Cajun remoulade sauce, but it also makes a delicious side dish with these air fryer steak bites and sous vide corn on the cob.
Jump to:
Why this recipe works
- You get oven roasted results without turning on your oven! And it takes just 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, which is about half the time it takes in the oven.
- It’s super simple to make! You just need cauliflower, oil and a few seasonings, toss to combine and air fry. It’s that easy!
- As with most air fryer recipes, you don’t need a lot of oil. Just a tablespoon ensures this cauliflower turns out golden brown with crispy edges. So good!
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What is an Air Fryer?
The Air Fryer is a healthier alternative to frying foods. It's basically a small, powerful convection oven that sits on your countertop.
It circulates hot air around the food you're cooking, which is what gives it that crisp texture that mimics fried food (without all the grease).
Read more about the health benefits of using an air fryer.
I personally use this Ninja MAX XL Air Fryer because it hold 5.5 quarts, which is more than most. It has worked great so far and we just love how easy it is to use!
Other air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes
- Air Fryer Okra
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
For the full recipe including quantities, please see the recipe card below.
You’ll need 1 head of cauliflower, cut into 2-inch florets. This is a helpful video on how to cut cauliflower into florets.
To save a little time, you can also use pre-packaged cauliflower florets. Just make sure they’re fresh and you can get about 3-4 cups from the package.
The cauliflower is coated with avocado oil. I prefer this oil as it has a high smoke point compared to some other oils. For maximum coverage, you can use an oil sprayer and use your hands to rub it into the florets.
The florets are seasoned with a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder and ground mustard. The result is a slightly tangy, sharp flavor. If you don’t have ground mustard, you can just grind mustard seeds or you can even substitute ground turmeric.
Step by step instructions
Toss the cauliflower florets in a bowl with the oil and seasoning ingredients and mix to coat all the pieces. (Use your hands for best coverage).
Place the florets in the air fryer basket and cook at 390F degrees for 15 minutes, removing the basket to toss every 5 minutes so the cauliflower cooks evenly.
Remove and serve hot.
Expert tips
- To make sure the cauliflower cooks evenly, cut the florets into roughly the same size pieces (about 2-inches). If you cut them larger, you will need to air fry them longer.
- If you’re having trouble evenly coating the cauliflower with oil and seasoning, use an oil sprayer and your hands to rub it in.
- If your air fryer model requires preheating, you should do so before adding the cauliflower florets.
- Air fryer brands and models can vary so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly when cooking the cauliflower.
- Cauliflower can burn easily in the air fryer, so you’ll want to check it every 5 minutes and shake the basket.
- The cauliflower doesn’t need to be cooked in a single layer, but be sure not to overfill your air fryer.
- For the crispiest results, you can space out the cauliflower in a single layer and air fry it in multiple batches.
- If you have a small air fryer, you will likely need to work in batches.
Common questions
Yes, you can air fry frozen cauliflower. To make sure it gets crispy, don’t defrost your cauliflower first. Air fry it from frozen. You may also need to add a few extra minutes to the air frying time to get it browned and crispy.
I find the best temperature is 390F degrees. Any higher than this and the cauliflower may burn on the outside before getting tender in the middle. If you air fry it at a lower temperature, it will take longer to get it golden brown and crispy.
At 390F degrees, it will take about 15 minutes to get cauliflower florets tender and crispy in the air fryer. This is based on 2-inch florets. If your florets are larger, it will take longer. Also, air fryers can vary, so be sure to check on your cauliflower as it may cook faster than 15 minutes.
Absolutely! For a little heat, you can toss the broccoli with some Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper. And for a smoky flavor, try chipotle seasoning or smoked paprika. If you like it cheesy, sprinkle on some parmesan cheese for the last few minutes of air frying.
Storage, reheating and freezing
Leftover air fried cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
You can reheat it in the microwave, but to make it crispy again, you should reheat it in the oven on 350F degrees until warmed through, or pop it in the air fryer for a few minutes.
To freeze roasted cauliflower, just place the cooled florets in a freezer safe container or bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Other cauliflower recipes
- Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- Cauliflower Tikka Masala
- Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
- Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings
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Recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut in 2" florets
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Toss the cauliflower florets in a bowl with the oil and seasoning ingredients and mix to coat all the pieces. (Use your hands for the best coverage).
- Place cauliflower in the air fryer basket and cook at 390F degrees for 15 minutes, removing the basket to toss every 5 minutes so the cauliflower cooks evenly.
- Remove and serve hot.
Expert Tips:
- To make sure the cauliflower cooks evenly, cut the florets into roughly the same size pieces (about 2-inches). If you cut them larger, you will need to air fry them longer.
- If you’re having trouble evenly coating the cauliflower with oil and seasoning, use an oil sprayer and your hands to rub it in.
- If your air fryer model requires preheating, you should do so before adding the cauliflower florets.
- Air fryer brands and models can vary so you may need to adjust the temperature and air frying time slightly when cooking the cauliflower.
- Cauliflower can burn easily in the air fryer, so you’ll want to check it every 5 minutes and shake the basket.
- The cauliflower doesn’t need to be cooked in a single layer, but be sure not to overfill your air fryer.
- For the crispiest results, you can space out the cauliflower in a single layer and air fry it in multiple batches.
- If you have a small air fryer, you will likely need to work in batches.
Nutrition
Toni
This is such an amazing side dish!! A new favorite air fryer recipe! Thanks!
Danielle
You're welcome Toni!
Rika
This sounds like a great way to cook cauliflower. It looks delicious and easy to make.
Danielle
Thanks!
Kate
I LOVE roasted cauliflower but have never thought of cooking it in the air fryer - great idea and sounds really crispy and delicious.
Danielle
It comes out so great!
Jessica Stroup
Game changer! Love this air fryer recipe!
Danielle
Thanks!
Natalie
I just bought an air fryer so now I'm looking for all sorts of things to cook in my new machine. I'm going to make this tonight. Love cauliflower. And your recipe looks delicious.
Danielle
Hope you love it!