Air Fryer Cauliflower
Updated May 29, 2025
Air fryer cauliflower with crispy caramelized edges seasoned with a simple spice mixture and air fried for 18 minutes.
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Make Cauliflower in the Air Fryer!
I really love cauliflower. Especially when it gets golden and a little caramelized on the edges. The oven can get it there, but the air fryer does it faster and better, in my opinion. When I make cauliflower in the air fryer it crisps up without drying out, and I don’t have to turn on the whole oven just for one veggie.
I usually toss the florets with olive oil, spices, and throw them in the air fryer while I finish the rest of dinner. A squeeze of lemon at the end is always great in my book, but it’s good either way. If you’re into roasted cauliflower, this is one of the easiest ways to do it. I usually cook a protein in the air fryer to go with it like Air Fryer Steak or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and it’s such an easy weeknight meal with easy clean up!
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Cauliflower Ingredients
- Cauliflower: The bigger the better if you’re looking to make enough for leftovers! Frozen cauliflower will work too (and you won’t even need to thaw it), though it may take a bit longer to crisp up in the air fryer. And for a little extra crunch, I like to toss my cauliflower in a parmesan and breadcrumb mixture before frying.
- Oil: I like a neutral oil for this dish like olive or avocado oil though you can skip the oil.
- Seasoning: I usually use paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, but feel free to play around with some of your own favorite spices. I like lemon pepper, BBQ seasoning and even homemade Ranch seasoning.
How to Prepare and Cut Cauliflower for Air Frying
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Remove the leaves: Starting at the base, strip away the surrounding leaves to expose the stem.
- Halve the cauliflower: Holding it stem side down, make a clean cut through the middle from crown to stem using a large chef’s knife.
- Separate the florets: With a smaller paring knife, detach the large florets from the stems. Depending on your dish, cut these into smaller, even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don’t waste the stems: Although many recipes focus on the florets, the stem is flavorful and can be chopped into bite-sized pieces for roasting or used in soups.
Want more detailed tips and visual guidance on preparing cauliflower? Check out my full tutorial post on cutting cauliflower here.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 380ºF.
- Place the cauliflower in a large bowl along with the olive oil and seasoning. Toss to combine.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the air fryer and arrange in a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches. Cook until crisp tender with browned edges, shaking the basket halfway through, 15-18 minutes total.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
If you try this Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
Recipe Tips
- Make sure your cauliflower is dry. I like to pat my cauliflower dry with a paper towel to limit the moisture in the air fryer basket (it’ll give you a better crisp).
- Cut your cauliflower into even sizes. You want each piece to cook up simultaneously, so cut and break down the cauliflower into similar-sized, snackable florets.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. If your florets are overlapping, they won’t get evenly crispy all over! I like to cook mine in a couple batches if I’m making a large amount for perfect crispness.
- Shake the basket. About halfway through cooking, I try to give the basket a good toss to get an even cook and crispness on every side.
Serving Ideas
- Use your cauliflower as a garnish. Once you’ve roasted your cauliflower bites in the air fryer, pop them into another recipe! I love to add mine to a creamy roasted cauliflower soup or stuff them inside a pita sandwich.
- Serve with a dip. These snack-sized bites are a perfect finger food appetizer. I like to pair them with a tasty dip like avocado crema, homemade ranch dip, or creamy feta dip.
Recipe Help & FAQs
These cauliflower bites are easy to store and reheat later! Simply add them to a container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or cook them low and slow in the oven until heated through. I try to avoid using the microwave because it takes away some of the crispness.
This cauliflower usually tastes best (and has the best texture) when eaten right after cooking, so I’d avoid the freezer if possible!
Your cauliflower is done cooking when it becomes tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Depending on the cooking method and the size of the florets, the cooking time may vary, so check often! When you’re roasting or air frying, the cauliflower will have a golden-brown color on the outside. You want it to feel soft without being mushy!
Comments
So good! My cauliflower hating husband loved it.
Awesome !
Thank you, Mary!
I wanted to try this for so long so today I did.
I must saw the flavors were a bit too strong. And maybe I overlooked them a bit. Next time not so much spice.
Feta makes it betta!! 🤗
I like the recipes.
Thank you so much!
This cauliflower is great. I’ll use this recipe over and over. One thing I will do differently next time is to mix the spices together before putting them on the cauliflower. I just dumped it all on top then mixed.
So glad you enjoyed it, Stephanie!
I want to make this! I checked your list of products and could not find what BRAND AIR FRYER you use! You know, your recent video for how to clean an air fryer… The video went SO FAST, I could not make out THE BRAND AND MODEL (and, is it a Vortex?? Or ??)… THANK YOU!
Hi Sue! The Air Fryer was hiding in my shop under “Electrics”. I do use a Vortex you can find it here. I apologize about the video going too fast. With “shorts,” they have to be under a certain time, and you’re right, sometimes the details do get lost.