Name: Air Fryer Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 medium head whole cauliflower (about 5-6 cups in florets); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 ½ teaspoon paprika powder; ¼ cup olive oil or more if needed (depending on the size of your cauliflower you may need a bit more oil); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for deeper flavor, use 1 medium garlic clove, minced); 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; sprinkle of parmesan cheese (optional)

Air fryer cauliflower is anything but boring-crispy, golden, and packed with flavor! I toss it in olive oil, Italian herbs, and a few simple spices, then let the air fryer work its magic. It's my go-to for a quick snack, easy side, or even a party nibble. So good, you'll keep coming back for more!

air fryer cauliflower in small metal serving dish

If you love this Air Fryer Cauliflower be sure to try my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Chipotle Aioli next!

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Ingredients

Cauliflower - Grab one medium head (about 5-6 cups once chopped). Just trim off the leaves and thick stem, then break it into bite-sized florets.
Oil - I like olive oil for the flavor, but you can totally use vegetable oil or even neutral coconut oil if that's what you've got.
Italian seasoning - My go-to for this recipe! But don't be shy-Ranch or BBQ seasoning would be awesome too.
Garlic, onion & paprika powder - These add that craveable, savory flavor. Want to level it up? Swap the garlic powder for one fresh minced clove.
Optional toppings - Dip 'em in ketchup, drizzle with ranch or burger sauce, sprinkle on Parmesan, or finish with fresh herbs. Totally your call!

How To Make Cauliflower in Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F according to manufacturer instructions. (Mine was 400 F for 5 minutes) Cosori 5.8 quart.
Trim the cauliflower head by cutting out the thick stem and removing the leaves. Cut cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces.

cauliflower in a plastic bag with seasonings

In a large or medium bowl combine cauliflower, oil, and spices (or you can use a zip-lock bag for this). Make sure the cauliflower is coated nicely.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the veggies in the air fryer basket in a single-layer basket. Make sure there is enough room between those florets!

Fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through a couple of times to ensure even frying. The cauliflower should be slightly charred and crisp by that time.
If you want more charred, leave to air fry for a couple of more minutes. You may need some additional minutes if the florets are too big.

The cauliflower should taste crisp and crunchy, not overcooked. The exterior should be slightly charred but not overly darkened.

You only need 5-7 minutes to air fry it and then if needed to brown more fry for 2 or so minutes extra.

air fryer cauliflower in hand dipped in ketchup

Ideas For Serving

Serve these crispy cauliflower bites as an appetizer on their own with a tasty dipping sauce such as:

Chipotle Aioli from my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
Cold Spinach Dip With Cream Cheese

Don't forget a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice right before serving.

EQUIPMENT

5.8 quart Air Fryer Cosori- one of the great air fryers on the market at the moment. It's not small and not overly big air fryer which is great for any kind of dish. You can air fry just for two people or make a 5 portion side dish using this basket. To keep your air fryer basket going use parchment liners.
Mixing Bowls - every kitchen essential item.

Tips

You can tell that the cauliflower florets are done cooking when the exterior is slightly charred by not overly darkened. 5-7 minutes is all that's needed but if additional browning is required then extend the cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Space the cauliflower florets out in the air fryer basket so that they are not overcrowded. This will ensure an even cook on all sides.

You can easily double or triple this recipe if serving to a larger crowd. You will likely then need to fry these florets in batches.

Make spicy air fryer cauliflower by adding some cayenne pepper to the olive oil and seasoning mixture.

Make parmesan cauliflower by adding the cheese in the last 4-5 minutes in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can add some mozzarella cheese too!

Oven Baked Cauliflower

You can make this air fryer cauliflower bites in a regular oven too.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the vegetables in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with spices, parmesan cheese (optional), and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they start becoming golden brown. Or you can use a broiling function for the last 5-10 minutes to make the outer layer even crispier and darker.

Don't leave them unattended as they will burn rather quickly!

Freezing And Storing Instructions

These crispy cauliflower bites are best fresh, so make only what you'll eat right away.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

To save time, prep ahead by cutting and seasoning the cauliflower. On the day, just air fry what you need and keep the rest in the fridge.

Using frozen cauliflower? Let it thaw slightly first-it may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer.

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Want to explore more air fryer recipes? Please visit my Air Fryer recipe index right here.

ALL MY SIDE DISHES AND APPETIZERS!

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Julia