This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes! Golden-brown, perfectly seasoned florets emerge with a satisfying crunch on the outside while staying tender inside.
With only 100 calories and 8g of carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy this versatile veggie. The air fryer works its magic to create an irresistible texture that’ll make you forget you’re eating something so nutritious.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: 1 head, cut into evenly-sized florets for uniform cooking
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps achieve golden-brown perfection
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon, adds savory depth
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for a subtle kick
- Paprika: ¼ teaspoon, brings color and mild sweetness
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped, for fresh finish
Instructions
- Prep Your Florets: Place cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they’re similar in size
- Season with Love: Add olive oil and all seasonings, toss until each floret is perfectly coated
- Arrange: Place seasoned florets in air fryer basket in a single layer for optimal crispiness
- Air Fry: Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shake basket once or twice for even browning
- Final Touch: Sprinkle with fresh parsley while still hot
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while perfectly crispy and tender
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower
For extra-crispy cauliflower, pat the florets completely dry before adding oil and seasonings. Try to cut your florets into similar sizes – about 1-1.5 inches works great! Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – giving each piece some breathing room helps them brown evenly. A single layer is your best friend here!
Quick Variations
Love spicy food? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated parmesan during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Want an Asian-inspired flavor? Skip the paprika and add a dash of sesame oil with some Chinese five spice instead of garlic powder.
Serving Ideas
These crispy bites make an amazing side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Try them as a healthy snack with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce work great! They’re also perfect scattered over a fresh salad for some warm, crispy contrast.
Storage Tips
While these taste best fresh and hot from the air fryer, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F – they’ll crisp right back up! Just keep in mind they might not be quite as crispy as when freshly made.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Add the cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika to the bowl. Toss until the cauliflower is completely covered with the oil and spices.
- Place the cauliflower florets in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Cook in batches if need be.
- Air fry at 380°F/190°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket 1-2 times throughout the cooking process. The cauliflower should be tender and lightly browned on the edges.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately.
