This Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower recipe is so easy and delicious. They can be enjoyed as a perfect side to any dish, healthy snack/appetizer, or add them to salads, soups, or tacos. Low carb/Keto, vegan, and gluten-free.
Roasted Cauliflower is a deliciously easy side dish that goes with almost anything and has been my family's latest favorite side dish for weeknight dinners.
I have used Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer 6 Quart, I am in love with this Air fryer and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to buy. Also, the cooking times of these veggies vary slightly based on the Air fryer used.
Any Air fryer brand like Cosori 5.8QT, Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven, Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Duo Crisp works here.
Jump to:
- Benefits of Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower in Air Fryer
- How to Roast Cauliflower in the Oven
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Suggestions
- Pro-Tips for Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Seasoning Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cauliflower Recipes
- More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Benefits of Cauliflower
- Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable with antioxidants, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation and protecting against several chronic diseases. (source)
- It is low in calories but high in fiber and water — all properties that may assist in weight loss. (source)
- Cauliflower is a good source of choline, a nutrient, many people lack. It is involved in many processes in the body and works to prevent several diseases. (source)
- Cauliflower is rich in sulforaphane, a plant compound with many beneficial effects, such as the reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. (source)
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients
You will only need a few basic ingredients to make this roasted cauliflower recipe.
- Cauliflower - Cut it into small to medium-sized florets so that they will cook evenly and quickly. If the florets are too large, they will burn outside before the middles cook through.
- Extra-virgin olive oil - is ideal for roasting, adds richness, and helps to crisp up the cauliflower in the air fryer. You may also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Spices – Garlic powder, red chili powder (or smoked paprika, cayenne), turmeric powder, salt, and pepper gives this air fryer roasted cauliflower a nice flavor.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Cauliflower in Air Fryer
Cut the whole cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets, roughly the same size for even cooking.
Transfer the cauliflower florets to a medium bowl. Add olive oil and season with garlic powder, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toss them well, so they are all coated with the seasoning.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Add the seasoned cauliflower to the basket of the air fryer and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required). Spray some oil on top if required.
Air fryer them at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 12 minutes.
Roasted Cauliflower is ready. Remove to a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice and serve it immediately with a tasty dipping sauce on the side.
How to Roast Cauliflower in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly in a single layer.
Bake at 425˚F for 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally or until cauliflower reaches desired crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
This air-fried cauliflower can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack and served with sriracha mayo dipping sauce on the side.
They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with Indian meals such as dal tadka, jeera rice, and paratha.
Storage Suggestions
Meal Prep: You can cut the cauliflower into florets 1 day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
To Store: Store your crispy roasted cauliflower, in refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To Freeze: You may freeze the roasted cauliflower in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: To reheat your cauliflower, Air fry it at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes until they are warm throughout. If frozen, Thaw for a few hours in the refrigerator and then reheat.
Pro-Tips for Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Work in batches: Make sure to spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake it halfway through to allow the cauliflower florets to be cooked evenly.
- Serve them immediately: These crispy roasted cauliflowers get soft as they sit and cool.
- No need to boil the cauliflower before air frying.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Indian Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon oil, ½ teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ½ teaspoon chaat masala, ¼ teaspoon salt. Alternately, use 1 tablespoon of curry powder instead.
- Mexican Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
- Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower: Use 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Italian Roasted Cauliflower: Use 1 tablespoon oil, 2-3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
There can be several reasons why roasted cauliflower can get soggy or mushy.
1. Overcrowded basket: make sure to leave some space between the florets to cook.
2. Less oil: Ensure the florets have enough oil coated to crisp up.
3. Inconsistent cut: Make sure the florets are evenly sized, as some may cook faster than others, making them soggy.
No, it is not necessary to boil cauliflower before air frying. Cut the cauliflower into florets and toss it with oil and spices, and roast at a high temperature.
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for air frying. Make sure to pat the cauliflower dry using a kitchen towel before air frying to achieve a crispy texture.
Note: The cooking time may be longer and the texture may not be as crispy as fresh cauliflower.
Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, paprika, cumin powder, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower Coconut Curry
- Tandoori Cauliflower
- Aloo Gobi
- Instant Pot Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Manchurian
- Cauliflower Rice
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower head cut into florets, (about 20 florets)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- freshly chopped cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the whole cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets, roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Transfer the cauliflower florets to a medium bowl. Add olive oil and season with garlic powder, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toss them well, so they are all coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Add the seasoned cauliflower to the basket of air fryer and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).Spray some oil on top if required.
- Air fryer them at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until slightly brown and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 12 minutes.
- Roasted Cauliflower is ready. Remove in a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice and serve it immediately with a tasty dipping sauce on the side.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly in a single layer.Bake at 425˚F for 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally or until cauliflower reaches desired crispiness.
Video
Notes
Pro-Tips & Notes
- Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Work in batches. Make sure to spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake the basket halfway through to allow the cauliflower florets to be cooked evenly.
- Serve them right away: These crispy roasted cauliflower get soft as they sit and cool.
- No need to boil the cauliflower before air frying.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Indian Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon oil, ½ teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon cayenne/red chili powder, ½ teaspoon chaat masala, ¼ teaspoon salt. Alternately, use 1 tablespoon of curry powder instead.
- Mexican Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
- Mediterranean Roasted Cauliflower: Use 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Italian Roasted Cauliflower: Use 1 tablespoon oil, 2-3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish.
SK says
I like it.
Bhavana Patil says
Thank you Sk, More air fryer recipes are coming, don't forget to check it out.
sandra says
what is your dipping sauce?!
Thank you for the recipe:0)
Bhavana Patil says
Hey Sandra, I made dipping sauce using mayo and sriracha, hope this helps.
Surya says
Omggg this was awesome!!
Bhavana Patil says
Thank you Surya:)