Air Fryer Cauliflower
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This air fryer cauliflower is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. It’s seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika and nutritional yeast for a simple veggie side that works with all kinds of meals!
Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook cauliflower, the air fryer is a great option. This crispy air fryer cauliflower tastes just like roasted cauliflower but in way less time. It takes just a few minutes to prep and cooks in under 15 minutes!
The seasoning blend adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor and the lemon juice brightens everything up. It’s a versatile side dish that works with grain bowls, pasta, or simple weeknight dinners! If you love simple and healthy air fryer recipes, then you’re going to love this easy side!
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy. This recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in under 15 minutes!
- It’s packed with flavor. Nutritional yeast, garlic, and paprika give the cauliflower a bold, savory taste.
- It’s super versatile. Cauliflower pairs well with simple proteins, grains, potatoes, or any number of side dishes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer cauliflower recipe:
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
- Cauliflower: You’ll need 1 head of cauliflower. Make sure to cut into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly!
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispy edges in the air fryer.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of brightness and balances the savory flavors.
- Nutritional Yeast: Brings a cheesy, umami-rich flavor without any dairy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor and complements the other spices.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the cauliflower a warm, smoky flavor and beautiful red color. You can also use a pinch of cumin for more smokiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right kick.
- Fresh Chives: A tasty garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Substitutions and Variations
Parmesan cheese: No nutritional yeast? Try grated Parmesan if you’re not dairy-free.
Different herbs: Use green onions, chopped fresh parsley, basil, cilantro or skip the garnish altogether.
Extra heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). In a large bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the dry seasonings: nutritional yeast, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
- Air fry in a single layer (work in batches if needed) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Tips for Success
This incredible air fryer cauliflower recipe is super simple and easy. To make sure it turns out perfectly, here are a few tips:
- Cut florets evenly. If you cut the florets into even pieces, they will all cook at the same rate!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches for crispier results. Adding too much to the air fryer basket at once will steam the cauliflower instead.
- Shake the basket. If you remove the basket and give it a good shake halfway through cooking, you’ll ensure even browning!
FAQ
Yes! Roast the cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Fresh is best for the crispiest result but frozen can work in a pinch. Thaw the cauliflower and pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
How to Serve
This air fryer cauliflower makes a great side dish for almost any meal. Try it with:
- Chicken or fish. Air fried cauliflower is a delicious side for an air fryer chicken breast or seafood, like this grilled bourbon salmon.
- Grains. It’s wonderful with Instant Pot Jasmine rice or your favorite pasta dish!
- Salads. Adding roasted vegetables to salad is one of my favorite ways to make meal prep flavorful. Add the cauliflower to a salad with our apple cider vinaigrette for an amazing weekday meal!
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice.
- In a separate small bowl, mix nutritional yeast, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss cauliflower florets in oil mixture, then sprinkle with the nutritional yeast mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place cauliflower in air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Work in batches for crispier results. Adding too much to the air fryer basket at once will steam the cauliflower instead.
