Air Fryer Cauliflower
Discover the perfect side dish: air-fryer cauliflower, roasted to perfection. Crispy and tender, with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
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This easy air fryer cauliflower recipe turns a basic vegetable into a crispy, golden side dish full of bold flavor. The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and just enough Parmesan makes it both simple and satisfying.
The air fryer ensures perfectly tender cauliflower with beautifully crisp edges using minimal oil. A final toss with Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley takes this dish over the top—great with everything from grilled meats to pasta dinners.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ease of preparation. The air fryer offers an excellent balance of tender cauliflower with crisp edges without using a lot of oil. Simple seasonings and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end gives the cauliflower a subtle nuttiness finish.
As a final touch, a garnish of chopped parsley adds color and freshness that rounds out the dish beautifully. Whether paired with grilled meats or pasta or enjoyed as a snack, this air fryer cauliflower recipe will surely win over even the pickiest vegetable eaters.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- Crispy, roasted flavor in minutes. The air fryer creates caramelization and browning that mimics oven roasting but in a fraction of the time, giving the cauliflower a crisp exterior and tender bite.
- Simple, flexible seasoning. Garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper flakes bring savory warmth, but the recipe is extremely adaptable—perfect for switching up flavors depending on the meal.
- Low-effort and high reward. Prep takes only minutes, and the air fryer does the rest. Shaking the basket ensures even browning without needing to watch the stove.
- Healthy but satisfying. Cauliflower becomes deeply flavorful with just a small amount of oil, making it a great option when you want a lighter side that still tastes indulgent.
- Goes with just about any main dish. This dish complements roasted meats, pasta dishes, grain bowls, or can even serve as a snack with dipping sauces.
Ingredient Notes
- Cauliflower – Use a fresh, firm head and cut into evenly sized florets so they cook uniformly. Pre-cut florets work as long as you trim overly large pieces.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick and encourages browning. A neutral oil works too but olive oil adds better flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds bold savory depth. Garlic powder can be substituted if you prefer less risk of burning.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that adds aromatic flavor without overpowering the cauliflower.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Add a gentle heat; increase or omit based on preference.
- Parmesan cheese – Tossed in after cooking so it melts slightly on the hot cauliflower. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh herbs – Basil or parsley brighten the dish and add color, especially when serving as a side for entertaining.
Steps to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into even-sized florets so they cook at the same rate. Remove excess stems for more uniform pieces.
- Toss the florets thoroughly with olive oil and seasonings. Coat every piece to ensure proper browning and to help the spices adhere.
- Transfer the seasoned florets to the air fryer basket, spreading them out so air can circulate. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispness.
- Air fry at high heat, shaking the basket every few minutes. This allows the florets to brown on multiple sides and cook evenly.
- When the cauliflower is golden and tender, transfer it to a bowl or platter and toss gently with Parmesan while still hot. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Pro Tips
- Cut florets evenly to promote consistent cooking and prevent smaller pieces from burning.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
- Use garlic powder if you’re sensitive to fresh garlic burning at high heat.
- Add Parmesan after cooking so it melts slightly without burning in the basket.
- Shake frequently to achieve an even roast on all sides.
Recipe Variations
- Curry: Replace the Italian seasoning with about 1 teaspoon of curry powder and a dash of cinnamon, and toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Omit the Parmesan cheese and air fry as directed.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese just before it’s finished cooking. Cook just until the cheese is melted.
- Cajun: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning and replace the Italian seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon of oregano. Omit the salt unless the seasoning is salt-free.
- Spicy: For a kick of heat, omit the Italian seasoning and add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Ranch: Omit the Italian seasoning and garlic, and toss the cauliflower with 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
How to Store
- Refrigerate leftover cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It reheats well and maintains good flavor.
- Freeze on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Texture softens slightly upon reheating but remains tasty.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving if you want the florets to stay firm.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Recipe Resources
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, 1 1/2 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Separate the cauliflower into florets.
- Put the florets in a bowl and toss them with the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket every 3 to 4 minutes.
- Turn the cauliflower into a serving dish and toss with the Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, if using.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
