This post contains affiliate links.

These air fryer cauliflower florets are the perfect quick and easy side dish for all your potluck and weeknight dinner needs! They turn out unbelievably crispy yet tender in the air fryer. And with nearly 50 five-star reviews, you know they’ll be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Close up of a piece of air fryer cauliflower on a fork.
save this recipe!
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

This recipe is similar to our air fryer Brussels sprouts in that it’s not anything revolutionary—it’s just downright delicious.

Everything comes together in 20 minutes, making it perfect for serving last-minute dinner guests or taking to a potluck (or enjoying as a snack!).

Air fryer cauliflower on a plate.

Everything Is Ready In 20

  1. Cut the cauliflower
  2. Toss with seasonings and oil
  3. Arrange in the air fryer
  4. Cook the cauliflower
Ingredients for air fryer cauliflower.
Cutting your cauliflower into bite-size florets allows for more thorough air frying.
Cauliflower in an air fryer basket.
You can cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer in a pinch! Just tack 3 to 4 minutes onto the cooking time, spacing the florets out well to allow moisture to escape.

Dip Or Drizzle

There are so many dipping sauces that pair well with this air fryer cauliflower recipe, but here are some of my favorites:

  • Romesco: This one is super simple and requires just 5 minutes to make!
  • Pesto: Everyone loves a great pesto sauce.
  • Yum Sauce: This vegan version features chickpeas, nutritional yeast, tofu, coconut milk, and more.
  • B*tchn’ Sauce (pictured): A copycat version of the popular chipotle sauce!
Air fryer cauliflower on a plate.
Close up of a piece of air fryer cauliflower on a fork.
rate pin print remove ads

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Florets (20 Minutes)

4.60 from 44 ratings
By: Sarah Bond
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
These air fryer cauliflower florets are the perfect quick and easy side dish for all your potluck and weeknight dinner needs! They turn out unbelievably crispy yet tender in the air fryer. And with nearly 50 5-star reviews, you know they'll be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, 30 mL
  • ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp pepper
Save this recipe!
Enter your email & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Instructions 

  • Prep: Cut cauliflower into florets. Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
    Cauliflower in a bowl with seasonings.
  • Cook: Lay in a single layer in the basket or tray of your air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender and slightly browned.
    Cauliflower in an air fryer basket.
  • Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with your favorite cauliflower flavorings (see notes).
    Air fryer cauliflower on a plate.

Notes

Flavoring ideas to top your cooked cauliflower: Lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, toasted pinenuts, or your favorite sauce (like romesco, pesto, vegan yum sauce, or b*tchn’ sauce)

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.5g | Protein: 1.3g | Fat: 7.1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 1.6g | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0mg

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
Eat vegetarian cookbook.

Let's eat more plants!

Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.

grab a copy

You May Also Like

4.60 from 44 votes (44 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Question? Ask your question here! Sarah personally answers comments every weekday.

Rate this Recipe:




4 Comments

  1. Scott says:

    I would like to be able to read the comments for tips. I’m cooking in a samsung range on the air fryer mode and was hoping to read some recommendations for cooking with the range air fryer. It’s taking much longer to cook than the recipe says. Is there a rule of thumb when using an over range air fryer as far as temps & cooking times? Any help will be appreciated as this is a new cooking method for me. Thanks,Scott

    Reply
    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Scott! I don’t have experience with that type of air fryer so it’s hard for me to say. Fortunately, air frying is pretty foolproof (unlike it’s cousin the Instant Pot!) This recipe in particular is very forgiving, so you can play around with the times (temp should be the same) until you figure out how hot/cold yours may run.

  2. Diana says:

    Could you do this in the oven and if so what temperature. I don’t have an air fryer….

    Reply