Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

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Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor—Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is the side dish or snack you didn’t know you needed. With a perfect golden char and a touch of seasoning that enhances cauliflower’s natural nuttiness, this dish is proof that healthy can absolutely be delicious. Whether you’re prepping for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers in taste, texture, and ease.

The magic lies in the air fryer: it transforms humble cauliflower florets into addictively crunchy bites without drowning them in oil. Tossed in spices and lightly coated in olive oil, they cook up beautifully with a fraction of the fat used in traditional roasting. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce and you’ve got a wholesome dish that even picky eaters will love.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Crispy & Flavorful: Perfectly charred without being greasy.
• Healthy: Low in calories and packed with fiber and antioxidants.
• Versatile: Works as a snack, side dish, or part of a bowl.
• Kid-Friendly: Great way to sneak more veggies into meals.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Air Fryer: The star of the show, it crisps up the cauliflower without deep frying.
• Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing the florets in oil and spices evenly.
• Chef’s Knife: Needed to cut the cauliflower into uniform florets for even cooking.
• Cutting Board: For safely prepping the cauliflower.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helps to turn or shake the cauliflower during air frying for balanced crisping.

Each of these tools contributes to a smoother prep and perfect texture. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, while the knife and bowl ensure everything is well-seasoned and evenly sized.

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Preparation Tips

Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower and cut it into evenly sized florets to ensure consistent cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—air circulation is key for that signature crisp. A light coating of oil is enough; too much can make the florets soggy. Spice it up your way: smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, or nutritional yeast all work great. Preheating your air fryer also helps kickstart the crisping process.

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Ingredients for this Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Dipping sauce of choice (ranch, garlic aioli, tahini, or vegan yogurt dip)

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Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Start by washing and drying the cauliflower thoroughly. Trim off the green leaves and cut the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets. Drying the florets properly ensures they roast instead of steam.

Step 2: Season the Florets

In a large mixing bowl, add the cauliflower florets. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using. Toss well to coat each floret evenly with the oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps to achieve a better crisp on the cauliflower right from the start.

Step 4: Arrange in the Basket

Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary. This allows for optimal air circulation and ensures even crisping.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the cauliflower for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

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Notes

Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is incredibly flexible when it comes to flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your mood or dietary needs—add chili flakes for heat, curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist, or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean flair. This recipe also works with frozen cauliflower; just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before seasoning. For a richer taste, a touch of parmesan cheese or vegan cheese sprinkled before air frying adds a nice crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Basket: This prevents air from circulating, resulting in steamed rather than crispy cauliflower.
• Skipping the Preheat: A cold air fryer leads to uneven cooking and softer texture.
• Too Much Oil: More oil doesn’t mean crispier results—it can make the florets soggy.
• Uneven Florets: Different sizes cook at different rates, leading to some burning while others remain undercooked.
• Not Shaking Halfway: Flipping or shaking the basket ensures even browning on all sides.

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Storage Instructions

Let leftover cauliflower cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to revive the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the florets rubbery. This dish is not freezer-friendly, as freezing can ruin the texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and air frying.

What’s the best dipping sauce for this?

Ranch, tahini, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo work perfectly.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly less crispy. Use a light mist of water or lemon juice to help the seasoning stick.

How do I keep it crispy after cooking?

Serve immediately or reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid covering it tightly while still hot.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as long as you don’t add dairy-based cheese.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely! Parmesan or nutritional yeast both work well. Add cheese halfway through cooking to prevent burning.

What’s the best temperature for air frying cauliflower?

390°F (200°C) is ideal—it gives the florets a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

How long should I cook cauliflower in the air fryer?

Typically 15–18 minutes, depending on floret size and air fryer model.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is the ultimate blend of healthy, quick, and crave-worthy. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack, a side for dinner, or a way to enjoy more veggies, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and comes together with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—crispy, golden, and absolutely satisfying.

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