• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nourish Plate

  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Contact
  • Privacy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Instant Pot
  • Air Fryer
  • Contact
  • Privacy
×
Home » Air Fryer » Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower

published on December 19, 2020 | updated on March 23, 2022

Jump to Recipe
Air Fryer cauliflower pinnable image

This crispy Air Fryer cauliflower side dish is so simple but flavorful! You can make this healthy cauliflower side dish in your Air Fryer in as little as 15 minutes from start to finish!

Close up shot of Air fried cauliflower in an air fryer basket

I get days when I just want to Air Fry EVERYTHING! Air frying is just so easy, and healthy as you don’t need much oil, and I always get great results. I’ve been making these Air Fryer chicken wings non-stop for the past few weeks, and the Air fryer French fries never disappoint!

Making simple sides in the Air Fryer is a breeze, this Air Fryer broccoli side is brilliant, and I’ve been also loving this crispy Air Fryer cauliflower because it’s so simple, much better than deep-fried cauliflower, and turns out so crispy!

So let me show you how to make the best ever crispy cauliflower side dish!

Table of Contents hide
1 Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower
2 How to Air Fry Cauliflower
3 Toppings Ideas
4 Top Tips
5 Air Fryer Cauliflower

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower

Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy cauliflower in the Air Fryer:

  • Cauliflower – choose a firm fresh head of cauliflower, remove the leaves and stem, and cut into florets.
  • Olive oil – I use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Salt and pepper.
  • Optional seasonings – You can literally air fry the cauliflower with just oil, salt, and pepper. I like to add seasonings for extra flavor such as paprika, turmeric (for color), garlic powder, etc. You can even do seasoning blends such as fajita seasoning or taco seasoning if you like.

How to Air Fry Cauliflower

  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil and seasonings until they’re well coated.
  • Transfer the cauliflower florets to the Air Fryer basket, and air fry for 15 minutes shaking the basket every 3 minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy (keep an eye on the cauliflower as it can get burnt easily, and it might take longer or less time depending on the freshness and the density of the cauliflower florets).
  • Serve cold or warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
A collage with 3 images with steps how to make air fry cauliflower

Toppings Ideas

Although this side dish is delicious when it’s served on its own, especially if it’s well seasoned. You can also top the cauliflower with something simple like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or toasted nuts, or tahini lemon drizzle.

You can also toss the cauliflower with fresh lettuce leaves, and a simple dressing to make a quick salad.

Crispy Air fried cauliflower in an air fryer basket

Top Tips

  • I have this Cosori Air Fryer that I love and always recommend. It has a large air fryer basket and can fit a lot, I also love the fact that the basket is square as it can fit much more.
  • It’s ok to crowd the air fryer a little bit as the florets will shrink and crisp up as they’re being roasted.
  • Keep an eye on the cauliflower florets as they’re being roasted, they can burn easily and the cooking time depends on how small or big you cut the florets.

If you try this recipe, please don’t forget to rate it and share a picture on social media, tagging #NourishPlate in your posts. I would really love to see your creations. Bon appetit! 

Air Fryer Cauliflower

This crispy Air Fryer cauliflower side dish is so simple but flavorful! You can make this healthy cauliflower side dish in your Air Fryer in as little as 15 minutes from start to finish!
5 from 43 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: International
Keyword: Air fryer cauliflower, crispy cauliflower side dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 70kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cauliflower head cut into florets
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, salt and pepper, and any seasonings if using until they're well coated.
  • Transfer the cauliflower florets to the Air Fryer basket, and air fry for 15 minutes shaking the basket every 3 minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy (keep an eye on the cauliflower as it can get burnt easily, and it might take longer or less time depending on the freshness and the density of the cauliflower florets).
  • Serve cold or warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

  • You can literally air fry the cauliflower with just oil, salt, and pepper. I like to add seasonings for extra flavor such as paprika, turmeric (for color), garlic powder, etc. You can even do seasoning blends such as fajita seasoning or taco seasoning if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Related Posts

  • Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
  • Curried cauliflower soup in a white bowl
    Curried Cauliflower Soup
« Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese »

Filed Under: Air Fryer, Side Dish

Reader Interactions

    Leave a Review or Question

    Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Jules

    June 07, 2022 at 11:41 pm

    5 stars
    Got raves from my family on this cauliflower recipe! Flavor was great and texture was just right. Served straight out of the air fryer and did not need any extra condiments or dipping sauces. Will definitely make this again (and again!)

    Reply
  2. Jill Chambers

    April 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    Thankyou just made airfryer cauliflower with blend of spices which worked well with my bisto curry sauce.We had with chicken pie and crispy wedges.With more curry sauce.My partner loved it too.

    Reply
  3. Monica

    September 14, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    Same instructions for an oven air fryer? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Diana

      September 29, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      Yes! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Cindy

    January 03, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    These sound great! Send me more air fryer recipes!

    Reply
  5. Charles McNeil

    December 29, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    Can’t wait to try this.please send more recipes for the air fryer .

    Reply
  6. Rachel

    December 26, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Do you have a dipping sauce?

    Reply
    • Diana

      December 29, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Try it with tzatziki sauce, so good! https://nourishplate.com/vegan-tzatziki/

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Follow us on social media!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Sign up for the Newsletter & receive a FREE Instant Pot mini eCookbook!

* indicates required



Copyright © 2022 Nourish Plate