Name: Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, this Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is your new go-to side dish. It delivers that perfect crunch on the outside with a tender bite inside, making it the kind of veggie dish people come back for seconds (and thirds). The best part? It takes minimal effort and cooks up quickly in the air fryer without heating up the whole kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your meals or need a crowd-pleasing party snack, this recipe is a must-try. The cauliflower gets a bold seasoning mix and a light coating of oil before air frying to crispy perfection. Serve it hot for an irresistible appetizer or toss it into a salad or grain bowl for a nutritious twist.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

Crispy with zero guilt: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that roasted crunch without deep frying.
Quick & easy: Done in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile flavor: Season it how you like – spicy, cheesy, herby, or garlicky.
Kid-friendly: A great way to get picky eaters excited about vegetables.
Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and is easy to reheat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before jumping into the seasoning, having the right tools ready makes this recipe foolproof:

Air Fryer: The star of the show. It crisps up the cauliflower evenly with little oil and no flipping halfway.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing cauliflower with your spice mix and oil.
Measuring Spoons: To ensure the perfect balance of spices.
Tongs or Spatula: For transferring seasoned florets to the air fryer basket.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For breaking down the cauliflower head into uniform florets (even pieces = even cooking).

Each of these tools plays a small but mighty role in ensuring your cauliflower turns out crispy, flavorful, and evenly cooked. Having them prepped before you start streamlines the whole process.

Ingredients for the Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower Head – The base of the recipe. It crisps beautifully and takes on flavors like a champ.
Olive Oil – Helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping the florets.
Paprika – Adds smoky depth and a pop of color.
Garlic Powder – Infuses the cauliflower with bold, savory flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances and balances all the spices.
Parsley (optional) – For a fresh pop of color and herbaceous lift at the end.

How To Make the Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

Step 1: Cut the Cauliflower

Wash and dry a fresh head of cauliflower. Remove the stem and leaves, then slice it into bite-sized florets of even size.

Step 2: Season the Florets

In a large mixing bowl, add the florets, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until all the pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re ready when the edges are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Great on its own or as a side dish to your favorite main course.

Serving and Storing This Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

Serve this cauliflower hot right out of the air fryer for maximum crispiness. It’s excellent as a snack with a dipping sauce, paired with grilled meat, or served on top of rice or salads.

To store leftovers, let the cauliflower cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to restore that crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cauliflower from getting soggy?

Make sure the cauliflower is completely dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw and pat it dry thoroughly. Frozen florets hold more moisture, so crisping may take longer.

What seasonings can I use instead?

Try curry powder, taco seasoning, Italian herbs, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan flavor.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating ensures the cauliflower starts crisping immediately and cooks evenly.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely! Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the last 2–3 minutes of air frying for a savory crunch.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as long as no cheese or dairy-based toppings are added.

Want More Veggie Side Dish Ideas?

If you enjoyed this crispy cauliflower, check out these other veggie-packed favorites:

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans with a garlicky crunch.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza for a fusion twist on dinner.
Honey Garlic Roast Pork Belly Slices if you’re pairing with a bold main.
Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe for a creamy classic combo.
Avocado Boat Dip when you’re in the mood for a quick, nutritious appetizer.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest veggie board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how you seasoned your batch. Did you go spicy or cheesy? Add a dip or keep it simple?

I love seeing your takes on these dishes. If you have questions, ask away—let’s help each other air fry better!

Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower is a crispy, flavorful, and easy side dish or snack. Made with fresh cauliflower, simple spices, and olive oil, it delivers perfect texture without deep frying. A healthy and delicious way to enjoy veggies, ideal for low-carb, gluten-free, or vegan diets.