Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
If you're on the hunt for a crispy, golden brown cauliflower recipe without the need for breading, you’ve come to the right place! This Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe is quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious. It's my go-to method for cooking cauliflower when I want a tasty side dish or a healthy snack that’s packed with flavor. Plus, with less oil and fewer calories than traditional frying, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking for an easy air fryer vegetable recipe.
What Makes This Air-Fried Cauliflower So Special?
I love that air-fried cauliflower gives you the perfect crispy texture, with no need for breading. Tossed in a simple seasoning blend and cooked in the air fryer, these cauliflower florets are transformed into a golden brown, crispy snack or side dish that’s so addictive you’ll want to eat them straight out of the air fryer basket! Whether you’re prepping for a quick meal or need an easy side dish to pair with air fryer chicken wings or air fryer salmon, this is the recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Want to try another cauliflower recipe? Check out my Chocolate Brownie Cauliflower Oats next!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Quick & Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of basic ingredients and only 12 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious side dish ready in no time!
Crispy with No Breading: No need for flour or breadcrumbs here! The natural flavors and seasoning blend provide all the crunch you need.
Versatile: You can change up the seasoning to fit your cravings—try buffalo sauce for some heat or add parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Healthy Vegetable Side Dish: This is a great way to enjoy crispy, fried-like cauliflower with way less oil. It's also naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with fiber, vitamin C, and even some biotin for healthy hair and skin!
What Are the Health Benefits of Cauliflower?
Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables to cook with because it’s loaded with health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you'll want to include it in your diet more often:
Insoluble Fiber: Cauliflower is high in insoluble fiber, which promotes digestion and keeps your digestive system moving.
Vitamin B2 & C: Vitamin B2 supports energy production, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system and aids in skin health.
Biotin: This lesser-known nutrient found in cauliflower promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Ingredients You'll Need
This crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe only requires a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tbsp olive oil (you can also use avocado oil for a richer flavor)
1 tbsp lemon juice (for a bright citrusy kick)
3/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
Making this crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe is super easy, and it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Chop the head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
2. Toss the cauliflower florets in a large bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
3. Air Fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve once the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce—I love it with ranch!
Storage
If you have any leftover cauliflower, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop the florets back into the air fryer to crisp them up—avoid the microwave to prevent fogginess!
What to Serve with Air Fried Cauliflower
This is the best air fried cauliflower recipe, and when you pair it with other delicious foods, it’s even better! Whether serving it as a side or a main dish, these flavorful cauliflower bites complement a wide variety of meals. Here are a few perfect pairings:
20-Minute Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: A quick and delicious option when you need a flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes. The sweetness of the honey garlic glaze contrasts wonderfully with the crispy cauliflower.
Copycat Gordon Ramsay's Pan Seared Salmon: This restaurant-style salmon pairs beautifully with the cauliflower, offering a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Pan Seared Steak: The bold flavors of a perfectly seared steak balance out the light, crispy cauliflower. It’s a great pairing for a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Sage Sauce: If you’re craving a comforting, fall-inspired dish, this ravioli is the perfect accompaniment to your air-fried cauliflower. The richness of the brown butter sage sauce pairs wonderfully with the cauliflower’s crispy texture, creating a delicious blend of flavors.
Jazz's Recommended Products
Here are some of my favorite tools for making this crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe and more!
Air Fryer: My go-to for perfectly crispy veggies with less oil.
Lemon Juicer: Easily squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor.
Best Chef's Knife: A reliable, sharp knife for cutting cauliflower and more.
Mixing Bowl Set: Ideal for tossing seasoned florets and meal prep.
Cutting Board: A durable, easy-to-clean board for daily use.
Jazz's Tips for the Best Crispy Cauliflower
Cut Evenly: Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.
No Need to Preheat: Unlike oven-roasting, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
Watch Your Cooking Time: Check your cauliflower at 5 minutes, and again at 10 minutes to prevent burning.
FAQs
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Typically, air frying cauliflower takes about 12 minutes at 400°F, but check halfway through for even cooking.
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Vegan ranch, buffalo sauce, garlic aioli, or even a squeeze of lemon juice work great!
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Yes, though it may not get as crispy. Add lemon juice or water to help the seasoning stick.
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Yes, but make sure to thaw first and pat dry to ensure crispy results.
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Absolutely! This method works for broccoli, brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Chop the cauliflower florets and add them into a big bowl.
- Add the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Mix well until all cauliflower is coated well.
- Place them into your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400F for 12 minutes, making sure to shake halfway through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, I love ranch!
Notes
- There’s no need to preheat the air fryer.
- Every air fryer is different, so make sure to check it around 5 minutes to shake it, then again at 10 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Feel free to adjust the cooking time a little bit if needed.
