Crispy Air Fried Cauliflower Recipe (Easy Side Dish)
Air fried cauliflower is a perfectly crispy and delicious side dish for those busy evenings that the family will love!
Cauliflower is one of those veggies that can be used in countless ways. From rice to pizza crust, it’s quite possibly the most versatile vegetable. This air fryer cauliflower recipe is quick and easy to make and sure to become a favorite!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy side dish – This recipe is so simple and will make dinner time come together much more quickly!
- Simple, wholesome ingredients – Made with basic ingredients, this crispy cauliflower recipe makes a delicious side dish with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Healthy alternative to deep fried food – Deep fried foods generally use seed oils and are packed with fat, while air fried foods have far less fat and still retain the crispiness of their less healthy counterparts. This is a great way to get veggies on the table that the kids will love for sure!
- Customizable – Feel free to use the spices you prefer for the flavor your family loves!
- Perfect as a side dish to most any meal – This recipe pairs well with almost any dinner you have planned!
Now, mind you, these are a bit spicy, so, if you don’t care for that, you can add what spices you prefer.
My husband and I love spicy foods, so, these are perfect for us!
I personally have the Instant Vortex Mini air fryer linked here: Air Fryer
This is perfect for 2 people, however, if you have a family you may want the bigger model linked here: Larger Air Fryer
Want more air fryer recipes? TRY THESE AIR FRIED POTATO CHIPS!
Ingredients you will need to make this Air Fried Cauliflower
- 1 medium to large head of cauliflower
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder – You can also use fresh garlic for this recipe.
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
NOTE: THIS WILL MAKE A LOT OF THE SPICE MIX!!! ONLY USE ENOUGH TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF CAULIFLOWER YOU ARE PREPARING Save the rest for other dishes!
How to make this crispy air fryer cauliflower
Wash and pat dry the cauliflower. Cut into small florets.
In a separate bowl, mix all the spices together.
In a large bowl add the cauliflower florets, the olive oil, and the spices. Mix well until all florets are covered in the oil and spices.
Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F.
Once it is preheated, add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Return to the air fryer and set timer for 18 minutes.
You want to shake the basket every 5 minutes to keep an eye on the cauliflower. It will take 15-18 minutes.
They are done when they are browned and a fork easily pierces the floret.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crispy air fryer cauliflower with pork chops and potato wedges.
Make this recipe as a side dish to baked chicken and mashed sweet potatoes.
Flavor Variations
Garlic parmesan- Add 3-4 gloves of crushed garlic while omitting the garlic powder and sprinkle immediately with parmesan cheese after cooked.
For a summer flair, add 1/2 tsp of poppy seeds and drizzle with fresh lemon juice and zest of one lemon.
Storage
Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat at 300 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
Yes, you can make it completely fat free, however keep in mind it may not turn out as crispy.
Absolutely! Just let the cauliflower thaw and move to a colander to drain any excess moisture before using.
Air Fried Cauliflower
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower.
- Cut into small florets.
- In a small bowl, mix all the spices together.
- In a larger bowl, add the florets, drizzle with olive oil and add ONLY ENOUGH OF THE SPICE MIX TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF CAULIFLOWER YOU ARE PREPARING. Save the rest of the spice mix for later!
- Mix well until all the florets are evenly covered with the oil and spice mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 390 degress F.
- Once preheated add florets and set timer for 18 minutes.
- Shake basket every 5 minutes.
- Once the florets are brown and easily pierced with a fork, they are done. These will take between 15-18 minutes.
