This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe is quick, customizable, and absolutely irresistible.
We’re completely hooked on this crispy air fryer cauliflower. ♡
It’s quick, easy, and cooks up with perfectly golden edges and tender centers every time — no soggy florets in sight! The seasoning possibilities are endless, and the air fryer makes it all happen in under 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. A total weeknight veggie win!
We love serving it as a simple side dish with dinner, piling it into tacos or wraps, tossing it into salads and grain bowls, or pairing it with a dipping sauce (hello, ranch or romesco!) for a quick snack. It also reheats beautifully in the air fryer, making it a fabulous option for weekly meal prep. However you serve it, this crispy cauliflower is always a hit!
Tips for Success
Here are a few quick tips to ensure your cauliflower cooks up crisp, flavorful, and evenly every time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the florets some breathing room so they can crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, it may be necessary to air fry the cauliflower in two rounds.
- Dry the cauliflower well. If your cauliflower is freshly washed, be sure to pat it dry before seasoning — too much moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Use a light coating of oil. Too much oil can make the cauliflower soggy, so go easy here — a little goes a long way. I usually just give it a quick mist with this oil mister, but you can also toss it lightly with oil in a mixing bowl to coat. Either way, a thin, even layer will help the cauliflower brown beautifully and help the seasonings stick.
- Shake halfway through. Give the basket a good shake midway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Adjust time for your texture. Like your cauliflower extra crispy? Just add a few more minutes! Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on it toward the end.
Seasoning Options
Once you’ve tried the classic blend included in the recipe below, feel free to try some of these other fun flavor twists:
- Buffalo-Style: Toss the cooked cauliflower with a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
- Curry-Spiced: Use 1 teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, earthy kick.
- Lemon Herb: Toss with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice after air frying.
- Chili Lime: Toss with 1 teaspoon chili powder and ½ teaspoon cumin before cooking, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Parmesan Garlic: Skip the smoked paprika and instead toss with garlic powder and a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan during the last 2–3 minutes of air frying so it doesn’t burn.
FAQ
What’s the easiest way to cut a head of cauliflower into florets? Here’s my favorite method (video included).
What air fryer do you use? This is the air fryer we currently own and use nearly every day. It has been great!
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes — just be sure to thaw and pat it dry really well before air frying to avoid excess moisture. You may also need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I make this without oil? Yes, but the cauliflower won’t get quite as crispy. If you would like to make this recipe oil-free, toss with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to help the seasonings stick.
What sauces go well with it? So many!! Try ranch, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, tahini sauce, romesco, or buffalo sauce — lots of great options.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe is quick, customizable, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 1.5–2 pounds), cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- optional: chopped parsley, lemon wedges or freshly-grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Season the cauliflower. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry. Add the florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and tender with crispy edges.
- Serve. Serve warm, with optional lemon juice, chopped herbs, or Parmesan sprinkled on top.
This was soooo good! I was a little impatient getting my cauliflower to thaw, so some pieces weren’t as crispy. But the seasoning was great! Dipped in low cal Asian dressing and low cal Caesar dressing. Another winner Ali!