Air Fryer Cauliflower

Name: Air Fryer Cauliflower
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: ½ head cauliflower; 1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil (15 to 30 mL); Pinch of salt and pepper

By Sarah This post contains affiliate links

This easy Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe uses a combination of cauliflower, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a unique and comforting flavor. It takes just 20 minutes to make and comes with countless options for toppings.

Dinner plate full of crispy air fried cauliflower florets

There’s something about a bowl of crispy, hearty air fryer cauliflower that’s just so cozy. Maybe it’s the warmth as it lands on your plate straight from the air fryer, or maybe it’s the generous layer of parmesan cheese. Either way, I’m here for it.

This cauliflower is a crazy simple side dish that’s perfect for serving up for guests or taking to a potluck this holiday season. It’s crisp, it’s hearty, it’s full of flavor… what more could you want?

The toppings for this cauliflower recipe are pretty much endless. I recommend trying lemon drizzle, fresh chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sauces, parmesan, or toasted pine nuts! With so many options, you can totally customize keto air fried cauliflower to your liking.

Side view of dinner plate filled with crispy cauliflower florets, two wooden spoons, and lemon wedge

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower

If you thought this recipe couldn’t get any better, you’re wrong! One of the reasons I love this dish so much is because with just 4 ingredients, this air fried cauliflower screams simplicity. Plus, it requires just 20 minutes to make. Let’s take a look at what’s included!

Cauliflower: The star of the show, this cauliflower will be air fried to perfection.
Olive Oil: Before going into the air fryer, I toss the cauliflower with a bit of olive oil. This helps add crispiness while also contributing to the flavor.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper is just right for this recipe.
Optional Toppings: And now, for the fun part! Depending on your preferences, feel free to top your cauliflower with lemon juice, fresh parsley, feta, pine nuts, or your favorite sauce! I love to top mine with parmesan.

Uncooked cauliflower florets sprinkled across a blue background

How to Air Fry Cauliflower

It’s so simple to make air fried cauliflower. Here’s how it’s done (scroll to the bottom for full instructions):

Cut into florets: Cutting your cauliflower into florets allows for more thorough air frying.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper: I usually put the ingredients into a bowl and toss everything together like a salad.
Arrange in the fryer: Lay in a single layer in the basket or tray of your air fryer.
Cook the cauliflower: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender and slightly browned.
Add toppings: Serve warm, optionally topped with your favorite cauliflower flavorings.

Cauliflower florets sit atop an air fryer tray

Variations of Cauliflower Sauce Toppings

There are a bunch of sauces that will taste great with this cauliflower recipe, but these are some of my favorites.

Romesco: This one is super simple and requires just 5 minutes to make! Simply blend red bell pepper, roma tomatoes, olive oil, almond butter, lemon juice, and a selection of spices.
Pesto: Everyone loves a great pesto sauce. This one is made from fresh basil, raw pine nuts, shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Yum Sauce: You can’t go wrong with a delicious vegan yum sauce! Try this one using chickpeas, nutritional yeast, tofu, coconut milk, and more.
Spice it up: For a spicer version, check out our Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower!

Dinner plate filled with air fried cauliflower

Fried cauliflower pairs deliciously with these meal options:

Air Fryer Cauliflower

This easy Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe uses a combination of cauliflower, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a unique and comforting flavor.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer cauliflower, how to air fry cauliflower, roasted cauliflower

Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian

Occasion: Christmas, Thanksgiving

Time: 30 minutes or less, 45 minutes or less

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Total: 20 mins

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 77kcal

Author: Sarah Bond

5 from 1 vote

INGREDIENTS

½ head cauliflower
1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil 15 to 30 mL
Pinch of salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep: Cut cauliflower into florets. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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.
Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with your favorite cauliflower flavorings (see notes).

NOTES

Flavoring ideas to top your cooked cauliflower:

Drizzle of lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley
Grated parmesan cheese
Crumbled feta cheese
Toasted pinenuts
Your favorite sauce, like romesco, pesto, or yum sauce

NUTRITION

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