Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower is a quick, flavorful side dish with crisp golden edges and tender centers. Made with simple pantry spices and just a little oil, this healthy cauliflower recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or low carb snacking.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
Ingredients
Cauliflower Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite sized florets, about 600 to 700 grams
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese finely grated, optional
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C for about 3 minutes.
- Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized bite sized florets. Wash if needed, then dry the florets very well with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner. Dry cauliflower browns much better than wet cauliflower.
- Add the cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the cauliflower and toss again until the florets are evenly coated.
- Arrange the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a mostly even layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed for the crispiest texture.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is tender and the edges are deeply golden brown.
- Transfer to a serving dish and finish with lemon juice, parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
For the crispiest Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower, dry the florets thoroughly before seasoning. Avoid crowding the basket, since packed cauliflower tends to steam instead of roast. This recipe is naturally gluten free and works well for low carb and keto style meals. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Potassium: 430 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 160 IU
- Vitamin C: 70 mg
- Calcium: 35 mg
- Iron: 1 mg