Air-Fryer Cauliflower: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking cauliflower in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish or snack. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil, but still gives you that fried crisp taste and texture. You can season the cauliflower with a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and then air fry it until it's tender and browned.

How to season cauliflower for the air fryer

There are many ways to season cauliflower for the air fryer, but a common method is to toss the florets in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also dip the florets in egg and coat them with a mixture of panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt.

To prepare the cauliflower, start by removing the leaves and washing the head. Cut off the stalk and slice the cauliflower in half vertically. Remove the core while holding the knife at an angle.

Once the cauliflower is seasoned and prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Place the cauliflower into the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Air fry for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Your roasted cauliflower is now ready to serve! It's best enjoyed while still hot and crispy.

How to preheat an air fryer

To cook cauliflower in an air fryer, start by removing the leaves and washing the cauliflower head. Cut off the stalk and slice the cauliflower in half vertically, then remove the core. Next, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also dip the florets in a beaten egg and coat them with a mixture of panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F, then cook the cauliflower for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Before preheating your air fryer, check the manual for your specific model to find the preheating guidance. Ensure that all removable parts, such as the basket, are clean, dry, and inserted into the unit. To preheat the air fryer, turn it on and set the temperature to the recommended heat setting specified in your recipe. Leave the basket in so that it heats up along with the appliance. Press start or preheat, and let the air fryer warm up for a few minutes. Most models only need to preheat for three minutes, but larger and oven-style air fryers may need five minutes. If your air fryer has a dedicated preheat button, it will alert you when it's finished preheating and ready for the food to be added.

How to cut cauliflower for the air fryer

To cut cauliflower for the air fryer, start by removing the leaves and washing the cauliflower head. Dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Using a chef’s knife, cut off the cauliflower stalk so it can sit flat on your counter. Then, slice the cauliflower in half vertically and remove the core while holding the knife at an angle. Next, cut the cauliflower into florets. You can now season and cook the cauliflower.

When cooking cauliflower in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F. Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Shake the basket once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Depending on your desired level of crispness, the cauliflower should be ready in 15-20 minutes.

How long to cook cauliflower in the air fryer

Air fryer cauliflower is a quick and easy side dish or snack. It's also a healthy option, as it uses a fraction of the oil you'd normally use to fry cauliflower.

To cook cauliflower in the air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 400°F. Then, season the cauliflower with a blend of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. You can also add black pepper. Next, dip each cauliflower floret into a beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place the cauliflower into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each floret. Drizzle with olive oil.

Cook the cauliflower for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during the cooking time to ensure even browning. When the cauliflower is crisp-tender and browned in places, it's ready to serve. Be sure to serve it right away, as it can become soggy if left in the air fryer for too long.

How to store leftover air fryer cauliflower

Air fryer cauliflower is a quick and easy snack or side dish. It's a healthier alternative to deep-fried cauliflower, as it uses a fraction of the oil.

Leftover air fryer cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To ensure the cauliflower stays crispy, don't leave it in the air fryer after cooking, as it may steam and become soggy.

Frequently asked questions