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Air Fryer Cauliflower
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Craving a healthy snack? Try our crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower! This easy recipe delivers perfect, golden bites every time. Get the most delicious, guilt-free cauliflower right at home with minimal effort.
This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the guide below with ease. Enjoy step-by-step photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks. We also include the most frequently asked questions and their answers to ensure your cauliflower turns out perfect.
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Looking for a quick and healthy snack? This crispy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for parties, dinners, or even a casual potluck, it delivers golden, delicious bites every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it's a must-try for any cauliflower lover.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and taste. The air fryer ensures perfectly crispy results without the guilt of deep frying. Follow our easy steps and pro tips to impress your guests with a dish that's both healthy and irresistibly tasty. Try it at home and see why this recipe is a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe:
- 1 medium-sized head of fresh cauliflower, washed, dried, cored, and cut into florets (about 1½ pounds after cutting into florets)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize this recipe with these simple ingredient swaps and additions to make it uniquely yours:
- Swap breadcrumbs with panko for an extra crunchy coating.
- Add Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy twist.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a healthier, high-heat option.
- Mix in garlic powder for a flavorful, aromatic kick.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking for a fresh, tangy finish.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
These easy swaps make this recipe even more delicious and customizable to your taste!
How to Make this Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Follow along with our pictures and step-by-step instructions for perfect results. Don’t miss the tips and tricks listed below. Let's get started!
Pro Tip
Check your air fryer manual for specific cooking time guidelines, as times and temperatures vary by model.
FIRST STEP: Add the fresh-cut cauliflower florets to a large bowl or a gallon-size Ziplock bag.
SECOND STEP: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the cauliflower florets.
If using a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower and oil to coat the cauliflower completely.
If you are using the Ziplock bag, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower.
Seal the bag and “massage” the cauliflower and olive oil to coat the cauliflower completely.
Pro Tip
Using a Ziploc bag to coat the cauliflower means less cleanup!
THIRD STEP: Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a small bowl. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle the dry spice mixture over the cauliflower. Stir or shake to coat.
Pro Tip
If stirring the cauliflower, use a large spoon or wear gloves if using your hands.
FOURTH STEP: If your air fryer requires a preheat, then preheat your air fryer to 400°F for three to four minutes.
Otherwise, add the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to cook the cauliflower in batches. The layer must be even to allow for uniform cooking.
Shake or turn the cauliflower in five-minute increments until it is golden brown. It’s okay to have a few darker brown speckles over the cauliflower. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Air Fryer Cauliflower
Air Fryer Cauliflower is versatile and works for any occasion! Whether you're hosting a party or just want a snack, this recipe will shine.
- Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy texture and savory flavor. Pair it with grilled chicken or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
- Game Day Snacks: These crispy bites make the perfect finger food for game day. Serve them with ranch or buffalo dip, alongside sliders or wings, for a winning combo.
- Summer BBQs: This recipe brings a light, crispy option to your summer spread. Enjoy it with grilled burgers or corn on the cob for a fun, delicious feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
So much more than just a veggie dish—it’s a beloved favorite for several tempting reasons:
- Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives cauliflower a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping it tender inside. Each bite offers a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Flavorful and Versatile: With just the right amount of seasoning, this cauliflower dish bursts with flavor. It’s perfect as a snack, side, or even a light meal.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: This recipe lets you enjoy a crispy treat without the extra calories of frying. It’s a healthy, delicious option that feels indulgent.
Air Fryer Cauliflower isn’t just tasty—it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Recipe FAQ
How do you make cauliflower crispy in the air fryer?
To make cauliflower crispy, coat the florets evenly with oil and seasoning. Cook them in a preheated air fryer, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
At what temperature do you set the the air fryer?
For best results set the air fryer to 400°F. This temperature ensures the florets become crispy on the outside and tender inside.
How long does it take to cook the cauliflower ?
Air fryer cauliflower takes about 12-15 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the florets. Check for desired crispiness before serving.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crispy texture. Preheat for 3-5 minutes at 400°F before adding the cauliflower.
Serving FAQ
Can you serve air fryer cauliflower as a main dish?
Absolutely! Serve it as a light, vegetarian main dish. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
How do you serve air fryer cauliflower for parties?
As a delicious party snack, arrrange it on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces for easy, fun snacking.
Is air fryer cauliflower a kid-friendly dish?
Yes! Kids love the crispy texture and mild flavor of the cauliflower. Serve it with a dipping sauce they enjoy for a fun, healthy treat.
Can air fryer cauliflower be served as an appetizer?
Definitely! Serve air fryer cauliflower as a crispy, tasty appetizer before your main meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to share.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions below for the best ways to store, make ahead, and reheat your Air Fryer Cauliflower. We’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks for keeping your cauliflower crispy and delicious!
Can I make air fryer cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cauliflower and store it uncooked in the fridge for up to one day. Air fry when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftover air fryer cauliflower?
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and crispy for up to two days.
Can I freeze cooked air fryer cauliflower?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked cauliflower in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I reheat leftover air fryer cauliflower?
Reheat leftover cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This will restore its crispiness.
Can I reheat air fryer cauliflower in the microwave?
Yes, but for best results, use the air fryer. The microwave may make the cauliflower less crispy.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized head fresh cauliflower (washed, dried, cored, and cut into florets ( about 1 ½ pounds after cutting into 9florets.))
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Add the fresh-cut cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl (4-5 quarts) or a gallon-size ziplock bag.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the cauliflower florets. If using a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower and oil to coat the cauliflower completely. If you are using the ziplock bag, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower. Seal the bag and “massage” the cauliflower and olive oil to completely coat the cauliflower. I prefer to use the ziplock because it’s disposable and less clean up.
- Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a small bowl (3-4 cups). Stir to combine. Sprinkle the dry spice mixture over the cauliflower. Stir, or shake to coat. If you are stirring the cauliflower, I recommend that you use a large spoon, or if you choose to use your hands, wear gloves.
- If your air fryer requires a preheat, then preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes. Otherwise, add the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to cook the cauliflower in batches. Shake or turn the cauliflower in 5-minute increments until it is golden brown. It’s ok to have a few darker brown speckles over the cauliflower. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
- Using the Ziploc bag to coat the cauliflower means less cleaning up!
- If you are stirring the cauliflower, I recommend that you use a large spoon, or if you choose to use your hands, wear gloves.
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