This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is one of my new favorites when it comes to roasted vegetables in the air fryer. Normally cauliflower plays second fiddle to other vegetables, but once you try this crispy air fryer cauliflower roasted in the air fryer it brings it to a whole different level. The cauliflower florets become the perfect balance between golden crispy and a tender that is almost buttery. You’re going to love this crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

This tasty Air fryer cauliflower recipe is not just a side dish. It is a great add-on to salads too. Instead of just adding a few cauliflower florets to a salad I chop up the florets sometimes and add them to my salads for some variety. The chopped up air fried cauliflower also adds a delicious texture to a salad.

Cauliflower has become very popular.This veggie has become a sort of “chameleon of the kitchen” for its versatility. Cauliflower can be used to make a healthier alternative of many recipes. It can be turned into a delicious pizza crust, mashed potatoes or even sliced into delicious steaks.

Don’t forget to give a try to our Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks Recipe. This is a delicious air fryer cauliflower recipe that is so good the first time I tried it I ate the entire head of cauliflower.

Benefits of Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Cauliflower is a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin B6. Cauliflower is also loaded with antioxidants that help with inflammation in every bite. Air frying cauliflower helps preserve all the nutrients while maximizing flavor.

The air fryer creates the crispy deliciousness of the deep fryer cauliflower without all the oil that accompanies it. With much less oil you get to enjoy the nutty and sweet flavor of the cauliflower.

The convenience of using an air fryer over a cooking method with a standard oven is another benefit. The air fryer heats up quickly and it does not heat up your entire kitchen while cooking.

Cleanup of an air fryer is another reason to own one of these. There is no scrubbing of sheet pans. Just a quick wash of the air fryer basket is all it takes to get the air fryer clean.

Ingredients

• Head of Cauliflower: The star of the show. Look for one that’s firm and tightly packed.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: The secret weapon for crispiness. This high-smoke-point oil is perfect for cauliflower, ensuring it gets crispy without burning. Olive oil can also be used
• Sea Salt salt to taste to bring out their best flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth.
• Garlic Powder: For that garlicky goodness that makes everything better.
• Smoked Paprika: This is where the magic happens—a smoky flavor that gives the illusion of a barbecue without the grill.
• Ground Turmeric: Not just for color, but an anti-inflammatory boost, because we’re all about health here.
• Sumac: adding a tangy lemony zing that’ll keep your taste buds on their toes.
• Lemon Juice to drizzle at the end for a delicious fresh finish

See recipe card below for quantities.

Why Do You Soak Cauliflower Before Cooking?

Before making this air fryer cauliflower, you can soak it in a solution of water and either salt or vinegar to prepare it. This process is not only good for cleaning the cauliflower but also can enhance the flavor and texture of the roasted florets. I am going to include 2 methods for soaking and cooking air fryer cauliflower. This is not a mandatory step but is recommended.

1. Salt Water Soak

• How to: Dissolve about 1-2 tablespoons of salt in a large bowl of water. Submerge the cauliflower head or florets in the saltwater solution for about 15-20 minutes. The salt water helps to draw out impurities and tiny insects that may be lodged in the crevices of the cauliflower. It can also start to break down the fibers slightly, making the cauliflower tenderer once cooked.

2. Vinegar Soak

• How to: Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water in a large bowl. Soak the cauliflower head or florets in this mixture for about 15-20 minutes. The vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to clean the cauliflower and removing pesticides or bacteria. This method can also slightly enhance the flavor of the cauliflower, adding a subtle tanginess that complements its natural taste.

After soaking, it’s important to rinse the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining salt or vinegar. Then, ensure you pat the cauliflower dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a crispy air fryer cauliflower texture when roasting or air frying.

How to Cut a Cauliflower

Grab your fresh cauliflower, and your favorite chefs, knife and carefully remove the leaves from the cauliflower by cutting carefully around the stem.

Once you have the leaves out of the way slice your cauliflower in half directly through the stem. Take the two halves and cut them into quarters. This will expose the core of the cauliflower. Take your chefs knife carefully at an angle to cut cauliflower and slice out the core.

The final step is removing the florets. You can do this by snapping them off with your hand or using your knife.

Tip: The stems can be saved in the freezer in a zip bag, and used in soups and stews.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

1. Set your air fryer to 390°F. Place your seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket. Shake the basket basket to distribute the cauliflower in a single layer for more even cooking when you air fry cauliflower.
2. I did not preheat the air fryer when I made this air fryer cauliflower recipe. I did not think preheating was necessary, but if you prefer you can preheat.
3. I set the timer of the air fryer to 12 minutes. I found that it was almost done at about 8 minutes. Keep in mind all air fryers cook a little bit different and cooking time may take a a few minutes less or a few minutes more. I started checking the cauliflower after about 8 minutes cooking time.
4. Shake the air fryer basket every few minutes to ensure a more even cooking.
5. Halfway though the cooking time flip the cauliflower florets.
6. Total cooking time of air fryer cauliflower recipe is 12-15 minutes.
7. When cooking is complete don’t forget to drizzle with some fresh lemon juice.

How Long to Air Fry Cauliflower

Preheat air fryer to 390 Degrees F.

Set air fryer timer to cook cauliflower 15 minutes

Check cauliflower for doneness after 12 minutes

Flip cauliflower florets halfway through cooking time.

Can Frozen Cauliflower Florets Be Used?

Sure. Frozen cauliflower florets can be used. However, frozen cauliflower florets retain a lot of water and will result in a “mushy” texture. I generally do not recommend using frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe.

Substitutions

Smoked Paprika

• Substitution: A mix of regular paprika with a tiny bit of liquid smoke or chipotle powder to mimic the smoky flavor. If neither is available, just regular paprika will still add color and sweetness.

Ground Turmeric

• Substitution: Ground ginger offers a similar earthy tone but with a bit more zest. For color, a pinch of saffron can work, though it’s more expensive.

Sumac

• Substitution: Lemon zest provides a similar tangy flavor if sumac is hard to find. A small amount of vinegar or tamarind paste can also mimic the tartness of sumac.

Variations

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

• Ingredients: After seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oil, toss the florets in your favorite buffalo sauce before air frying.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping and some celery sticks for a game-day snack that’s sure to impress.

Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower

• Ingredients: Add grated Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder to the spice mix. Sprinkle more Parmesan over the florets halfway through cooking for a cheesy crust.
• Serving Suggestion: Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Curry Spiced Cauliflower

• Ingredients: Swap out the original spices for a blend of curry powder, ground cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of cooling yogurt sauce or raita to balance the spices.

How to Roast Cauliflower in the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting those golden, crispy edges.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: While the oven is heating, wash the cauliflower and cut it into florets. If you haven’t already, soak and then thoroughly dry the florets to ensure they roast instead of steam.
3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the avocado oil until they’re well-coated. In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and sumac. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the cauliflower, tossing again to ensure an even coat.
4. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded. This helps them roast evenly and get crispy.
5. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the cauliflower for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give the florets a stir or flip to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
6. Check for Doneness: The cauliflower is done when it’s tender on the inside and crispy and golden on the outside. If you prefer it more charred, leave it in for a few more minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Once roasted to your liking, remove the cauliflower from the oven. You can serve it hot as a side dish, or let it cool and add it to salads or bowls.

Equipment

I always do my best to list the equipment used and kitchen essential items that I use and love. I do earn a small affiliate commission for the sale of these products at NO COST TO YOU. Thank you so much for your support.

Instant Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer
Air Fryer Liners – 8.5 Inches, 100pcs
Amazon Fresh Avocado Oil
Unpretentious Smoked Paprika
Eat Well Sumac Spice Powder 

Tell your visitors what equipment you use and how to adjust the recipe if they use something different, and link to your affiliate link to purchase the equipment.

Storing and Reheating

For best results storing your air fryer cauliflower. It is best to let cooked cauliflower completely cool before placing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the air fryer fried cauliflower even more crispy by eliminating any excess steam or moisture.

Tip: Line the bottom of your airtight container with a paper towel to capture any moisture.

When reheating leftover air fryer cauliflower and maintain its crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 175°C). Once preheated, place the cooked cauliflower back in the air fryer basket and air fry for about 3-4 minutes. Cook cauliflower until desired doneness.

FAQ

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower.

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