Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is ready in 10 minutes, with only a few minutes of prep. Making this in the air fryer is a much quicker alternative to roasted cauliflower, which often takes 30 to 40 minutes. Air fryer cauliflower is ready in 10 minutes, with only a few minutes of prep.

  • Total 15 minutes
  • Serves 4 people
  • Sides
  • American
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Close up photo of cauliflower in an air fryer basket

Air fryer cauliflower is ready in 10 minutes, with only a few minutes of prep. Making this in the air fryer is a much quicker alternative to roasted cauliflower, which often takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Air Fryer Cauliflower resting in an air fryer basket more

Why this recipe works

If you’re looking for lower carb versions for dinner, a cauliflower side dish is ideal. Once cut into florets, you can fit an entire head of cauliflower in your air fryer and have it ready and on the table in less than 15 minutes.

You can easily add some cauliflower in with your air fryer chicken breasts and air fryer carrots for a complete meal.

Close up photo of Air Fryer Cauliflower on a plate

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAULIFLOWER – We are using fresh cauliflower for this recipe. You can certainly use frozen cauliflower florets. Do not thaw the cauliflower, simply replace the fresh in this recipe and continue as the recipe states.

SEASONINGS – We’ve chosen common but tasty seasoning for this side dish. Feel free to change it up with your favorites. Add some kick by tossing in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!

OIL – Canola oil is stated in the ingredient list, but olive oil or coconut oil will work perfectly as well!

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. Beginning with the head of cauliflower right side up, cut it in half directly through the center.
  2. From each half, cut the cauliflower florets from the core, cutting at each individual stem.


    EXPERT TIP: Do not cut florets too small as you do not want them to fall through the air fryer grate.

  3. Add florets to a bowl, add canola oil and toss to coat.Oil being drizzled over cauliflower in a bowl
  4. Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled florets and toss again until evenly coated.Seasonings sprinkled over a bowl of cauliflower
  6. Add cauliflower in a single layer to a preheated 350 F air fryer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking half-way through. The results will be deep yellow, slightly orange florets with small amounts of charred edges on select florets.Seasoned cauliflower in an air fryer basket

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer?

You can cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer. Do not thaw the frozen cauliflower. Simply brush, spray, or toss it with oil, add seasonings, and air fry as the recipe directs.

What’s the best way to cut a head of cauliflower?

The easiest way to cut a head of cauliflower into florets is to place the head facing up and slice it in half through the center. This will expose the core and all the individual floret’s stems. Use the tip of your knife to cut the florets off at the stems.

Plate of Air Fryer Cauliflower

Serving Suggestions

If you’d like a crispy texture to your cauliflower, you can whisk an egg, coat the cauliflower, then cover in Panko bread crumbs. Another option is to add a Parmesan coating for a more keto-friendly version. However you make your air fryer cauliflower, we know you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

More Cauliflower Recipes

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