Air fryer cauliflower is ready in 10 minutes, with only a few minutes of prep. Making this in the air fryer is a much quicker alternative to roasted cauliflower, which often takes 30 to 40 minutes.
Why this recipe works
If you’re looking for lower carb versions for dinner, a cauliflower side dish is ideal. Once cut into florets, you can fit an entire head of cauliflower in your air fryer and have it ready and on the table in less than 15 minutes.
You can easily add some cauliflower in with your air fryer chicken breasts and air fryer carrots for a complete meal.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CAULIFLOWER – We are using fresh cauliflower for this recipe. You can certainly use frozen cauliflower florets. Do not thaw the cauliflower, simply replace the fresh in this recipe and continue as the recipe states.
SEASONINGS – We’ve chosen common but tasty seasoning for this side dish. Feel free to change it up with your favorites. Add some kick by tossing in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!
OIL – Canola oil is stated in the ingredient list, but olive oil or coconut oil will work perfectly as well!
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Beginning with the head of cauliflower right side up, cut it in half directly through the center.
- From each half, cut the cauliflower florets from the core, cutting at each individual stem.
EXPERT TIP: Do not cut florets too small as you do not want them to fall through the air fryer grate. - Add florets to a bowl, add canola oil and toss to coat.
- Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled florets and toss again until evenly coated.
- Add cauliflower in a single layer to a preheated 350 F air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking half-way through. The results will be deep yellow, slightly orange florets with small amounts of charred edges on select florets.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
You can cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer. Do not thaw the frozen cauliflower. Simply brush, spray, or toss it with oil, add seasonings, and air fry as the recipe directs.
The easiest way to cut a head of cauliflower into florets is to place the head facing up and slice it in half through the center. This will expose the core and all the individual floret’s stems. Use the tip of your knife to cut the florets off at the stems.
Serving Suggestions
If you’d like a crispy texture to your cauliflower, you can whisk an egg, coat the cauliflower, then cover in Panko bread crumbs. Another option is to add a Parmesan coating for a more keto-friendly version. However you make your air fryer cauliflower, we know you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!
More Cauliflower Recipes
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Air Fryer Cauliflower
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 head of fresh cauliflower about 2 pounds
- ¼ cup canola oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
Instructions
- Beginning with the head of cauliflower right side up, cut it in half directly through the center.1 head of fresh cauliflower
- From each half, cut the cauliflower florets from the core, cutting at each individual stem.EXPERT TIP: Do not cut florets too small as you do not want them to fall through the air fryer grate.
- Add florets to a bowl, add canola oil and toss to coat.¼ cup canola oil
- Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl.1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon fine black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled florets and toss again until evenly coated.
- Add cauliflower in a single layer to a preheated 350 F air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking half-way through. The results will be deep yellow, slightly orange florets with small amounts of charred edges on select florets.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Amanda Davis
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Arlene says
I used pork panko and it was delicious!!!! I love this recipe.
Maureen says
Love cauliflower and tried it with the oil, parmesan cheese,and Panko crumbs also. Was really tasty.. Will definitely make again.
Love
Stephen Bray says
I have made this several times and I LOVE making this LOVE
Jonnie Britton says
I am late to the game of Air Fryer cooking, but when I saw this cauliflower cooked in the air fryer, I had to give it a try. And was so pleasantly surprised………….first because I could actually accomplish this myself, and second because the cauliflower “fried” this way was absolutely yummy! I highly recommend you give it a try! The directions were easy and I followed them exactly. So I will be making this many times for a snack and a meal addition. LOVE!
Barbara Tait says
I just LOVE! this recipe as I am cauliflower lover from 65 years ago. This vegetable is so versatile from appetizers, soup, side dishes and main meals. I have even used to make rice pudding (cauliflower) pudding which tastes just as great as the real rice pudding.