This Air Fryer Cauliflower is a quick, flavorful side that’s perfect for busy weeknights! The florets get tossed in a simple mix of olive oil and spices, then roasted in the air fryer until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s an easy way to enjoy your veggies without any fuss.
Why I love Air Fryer Cauliflower:
This is one of my go-to veggie side dishes to serve with family favorites like my honey garlic salmon or honey garlic chicken breast, baked pork chops, cod fish, or slow cooker chicken thighs. I also love pairing it with a little homemade aioli on the side. So good! Here’s why I love this recipe:
Family favorite – Even picky eaters love it! It’s the easiest way to get everyone to enjoy their veggies.
Quick and easy – It cooks in just about 15 minutes, making it a perfect fast side dish or snack.
Light – You only need a small amount of oil to get that amazing crispy texture and flavor.
Super versatile – Season it any way you like — garlic parmesan, buffalo-style, curry spice, or lemon herb.
Key Ingredients:
A fresh cauliflower head is cut into bite-sized florets, then tossed with olive oil to help the spices stick and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky depth, garlic powder brings savory warmth, and a hint of turmeric gives a subtle earthy flavor and beautiful color.
Finished with salt and black pepper, these florets turn into a perfectly seasoned, healthy, and irresistibly crispy side dish.
How to Cut Cauliflower into Florets
Step 1: Place the cauliflower on a cutting board and pull off the green leaves from the base. You can trim the stem slightly to make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the cauliflower head straight down through the middle of the core. Then, cut each half again to create four quarters.
Step 3: Lay each quarter flat on the board and angle your knife to cut out the thick core from the center.
Step 4: Gently pull the florets apart with your hands. For larger pieces, use your knife to cut them into bite-sized florets.
Step 3: Rinse the florets under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels before cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower:
Step 1: After rinsing and drying the florets, place them in a bowl, season with all the spices, and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Cook in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until the cauliflower is golden, crispy at the edges, and tender in the center.
Helpful Tips
Cut evenly: Chop the cauliflower into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly.
Dry well: After washing, pat the florets completely dry — moisture prevents crispiness.
Use a little oil: Toss with just enough olive oil or avocado oil to lightly coat. Too much makes it soggy. You can make it without oil, but it won’t be as crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in a single layer (work in batches if needed) so the hot air can circulate properly.
Shake halfway through: Toss the florets midway through cooking for even browning.
More Cauliflower Recipes
Cauliflower Curry Recipe
25 mins
Cauliflower Au Gratin
35 mins
Roasted Cauliflower
40 mins
Mashed Cauliflower
23 mins
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower head cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden, crispy on the edges, and tender inside.
- Serve hot as a side dish or snack. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Notes
Freeze: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3–5 minutes or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?
Follow @primaverakitchen on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #primaverakitchen. We’d love to see your recreation.
