Light, delicious, and crispy, Air Fryer Cauliflower is the perfect side or snack for fast healthy eating. You’ll love that cauliflower in the air fryer is simple, vegan, vegetarian, and packed with flavor!
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I’m a sucker for a roasted veggie, especially ones I turned my nose up at as a kid.
Ready in only 15 minutes thanks to the magic of the air fryer, this roasted cauliflower is perfect, crispy, and like heaven at the end of the fork.
What would you serve with this air fried cauliflower? There are so many options! I’m a sucker for a perfect Dry Brined Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (no breading), or Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp.
INGREDIENTS
You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. This recipe is rocking:
- cauliflower
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- flaky sea salt
- cornstarch or potato starch (optional but gives it a lovely crispy texture)
HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER Cauliflower
*You’ll find a detailed and printable recipe card at the bottom of this post
Cut the cauliflower to the desired size. Combine cauliflower, dust with cornstarch or potato starch and garlic powder, then, olive oil in a mixing bowl (this is the bowl I use at least daily!), tossing to coat.
This is one of those recipes where I do recommend you preheat your air fryer. It helps the cauliflower start cooking immediately, resulting in that perfect crispy exterior.
Cook for 8 minutes and then shake the basket to mix the cauliflower around. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until they have reached your desired level of crispy. Salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
Use your favorite seasonings or drizzle the finished air fried cauliflower with a flavor-packed sauce like Cilantro Chimichurri, Chipotle Sauce, Gluten-Free Cheese Sauce, or Vegan Aioli.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Do not add salt to the cauliflower until it is done cooking in the air fryer. Pre-salting the veg will cause it to release excess moisture, resulting in mushy veggies.
- If you’d like the cauliflower to cook faster, cut the florets pretty small. Still check after 8 minutes of cooking.
- If you increase the amount of oil used, drain cauliflower on a plate lined with paper towels for 2-3 minutes.
- No air fryer? Bake on a sheet pan in an oven preheated to 425 degrees. Roast for 18 minutes, stir and roast until it has reached your desired level of crispiness (usually 5-15 minutes longer).
- If you’d like to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, add it at the halfway cooking point to avoid it burning. You might also love using Air Fryer Roasted Garlic for a more mellow garlic flavor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It will keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can cook the cauliflower ahead of time as part of your easy meal prep. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 370 degrees F.
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower if needed! Do not thaw the frozen cauliflower before air frying. Toss with cornstarch or potato starch and olive oil and then cook at 390F (instead of 370F for fresh) for 7 minutes.
Shake, and continue cooking for 0-6 minutes until it reaches your preferred level of perfectly roasted.
I love roasted veggies (and affordability) so much that I even wrote The Ultimate Guide to Roasting Frozen Vegetables and check out my tutorial on Freezing Cauliflower.
I love the flavor of extra virgin olive oil for air fryer roasted cauliflower. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil also work nicely.
More Recipes Like This
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Asparagus in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Roasted Beets
- Spicy Green Beans
- Roasted Frozen Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Green Tomatoes
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- How to Cook Frozen Asparagus
- Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
- Instant Pot Beets
More Awesome Cauliflower Recipes
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving of cauliflower in the air fryer has 1 WW Freestyle SmartPoints.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower {cut into florets}
- 1 tbsp cornstarch {optional}{or potato starch}
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 370 degrees F.
- Cut cauliflower into uniform pieces.4 cups cauliflower
- If using cornstarch, toss with the florets and garlic powder in a deep mixing bowl.1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder
- Drizzle in the olive oil and stir to coat.2 tsp olive oil
- Brush the inside of the air fryer with olive oil and add the cauliflower.
- Cook at 370F for 8 minutes, shake the basket and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes depending on your desired level of "crisp".
- Sprinkle roasted cauliflower with fresh parsley, kosher salt, and your seasonings or sauce of choice.salt & pepper to taste
Notes
- Do not add salt to the cauliflower until it is done cooking in the air fryer. Pre-salting the veg will cause it to release excess moisture, resulting in mushy veggies.
- If you’d like the cauliflower to cook faster, cut the florets pretty small. Still check after 8 minutes of cooking.
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I used this method for broccoli and it turned out perfect. Delicious. Thanks for the tip about the salt.
I’m proud of you for trying new recipes, Lisa! I know cooking is not your thing and new recipes extend you past your comfort zone. Nice work, lady!