Air Fryer Cauliflower
Discover the perfect side dish: air-fryer cauliflower, roasted to perfection. Crispy and tender, with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
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.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick and easy. Just toss, air fry, and serve—it’s a side dish that comes together in under 15 minutes.
Healthier but still flavorful. Crisp edges and savory seasonings give this cauliflower plenty of taste without deep frying.
Versatile enough for any meal. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pasta, or even as a snack on its own.
Ingredient Notes
- Cauliflower: One medium head, about 1½ pounds, cut into small to medium florets for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps the florets crisp in the air fryer. Don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds robust, aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced herb blend—can be replaced with other seasonings for variations.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, savory richness at the end—optional but recommended.
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness to finish.
Steps to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Break the cauliflower into florets and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Make sure the florets are well coated.
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Once golden and crisp around the edges, transfer to a serving bowl. Toss with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
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 and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze? Not recommended—texture suffers upon thawing.
To Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes to revive crispness, or reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
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 parsley just before serving.
- 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.
