This air fryer cauliflower recipe delivers a burst of flavor with garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika. Forget the mushy texture of steamed cauliflower – this method creates perfectly tender florets with a crispy crunch, all in a fraction of the time. Who knew cauliflower could taste so good?
I am getting addicted to cooking in my air fryer! Food gets cooked so much faster, and I love the flavor of it, too! There is often just a tiny bit of char that adds to the layers of flavor on things as simple as vegetables! I have discovered I do like brussel sprouts, but only when I make Roasted Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer. Air Fryer Cabbage is also delicious! I wouldn't normally make cabbage as a side but air fried, it's delicious! Kale chips in the air fryer are amazing too!
Why I Love This Recipe
Garlic & Onion Kick: Simple ingredients pack a flavorful punch, ditching the blandness of plain cauliflower.
Crispy, Never Mushy: Air fryer technology creates perfectly tender florets with a delightful crunch.
Weekday Friendly: This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Healthy Choice: Air frying uses minimal oil for a lighter way to enjoy cauliflower.
Beyond Basic: Forget about boring steamed cauliflower, this recipe elevates your veggie game. But it is quick and easy!
Ingredients
Simple ingredients come together in a delightfully delicious vegetable side.
Cauliflower head - medium or large. If using small, decrease the seasonings just a touch.
Olive oil or vegetable oil.
Garlic Powder - If you are using garlic salt or onion salt, omit the salt listed, taste, and then season appropriately.
Onion Powder
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Paprika for flavor, color and as a garnish. Smoked garlic is also good!
Salt - I like Kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 1
In a large bowl, sprinkle oil on the cauliflower and mix to cover. Sprinkle all the seasonings and then gently toss to ensure all florets are seasoned.
Step 2
I use an oven/toaster oven-style air fryer. It allows me to make larger batches because the area to cook is larger. If you are using baskets, you may need to cook a couple of batches. Cauliflower should be in a single layer with a little space between the vegetables so they don't get soggy.
Step 3
Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. At the 5 minute point, I shake/toss the florets. At the 10 minute point, I suggest tasting one (cool it a little first!) to see if it is close to the tender-crisp texture you like. My family prefers these on the crispier side.
FAQs
Make sure your oven is preheated and I would up the temperature to 410°F. You will probably have to cook your cauliflower for about 15 minutes. Make sure you still shake the tray, and test for texture at about 10-12 minutes.
The roasted, caramelized flavor adds so much to the cauliflower. Plus, steamed cauliflower normally does not get seasoned as much.
You will be surprised how many people love this. But, if you are nervous, season with half the first time you make it.
Storage and Reheating
I refrigerate for up to 3 days in a closed container. I don't freeze since I make what I expect people to eat. I personally find that frozen cooked cauliflower gets limp.
Dip Tip
There is something going on with Ranch Salad Dressing as a dip. If your kids like dipping things in Ranch, but aren't big into vegetables, let them dip!
This can also be a snack or appetizer with the bonus of being vegan and vegetarian!
Other Delicious Vegetables
Printable Recipe
Delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower broken into florets of equal sizes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil vegetable or canola oil works too. Just don't use extra virgin olive oil due to the high cooking temperature.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher sale If using a fine salt, use a little less.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle oil on the cauliflower and mix to cover. Sprinkle all the seasonings and then gently toss to ensure all florets are seasoned.
- I use an oven/toaster oven-style air fryer. It allows me to make larger batches because the area to cook in is larger. If you are using baskets, you may need to cook a couple of batches. Cauliflower should be in a single layer with a little space between the vegetables so they don't get soggy.
- Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. At the 5 minute point, I shake/toss the florets. At the 10 minute point, I suggest tasting one (cool it a little first!) to see if it is close to the tender-crisp texture you like. My family prefers these on the crispier side. I normally air fry mine for 12 minutes. If you want them well cooked and soft, you will be closer to 15 minutes.
Notes
Also, this can also be a quick appetizer or snack (with or without dip) and is a 0vegan and vegetarian dish.
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