Air Fryer Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets tossed with smoked paprika, garlic and cumin and cooked in the air fryer until browned at the edges. Four servings in 25 minutes.
Don't Make These Mistakes
Dry the florets well after washing; surface water stops them browning.
If your basket is small, cook the cauliflower in two batches.
Add a pinch of chilli flakes with the other spices for a hotter version.
Cooking Air Fryer Cauliflower
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Heat the air fryer to 200°C / 390°F. Cut the cauliflower into florets of a similar size, about the size of a walnut.
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Toss the florets with the oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt in a large bowl until evenly coated.
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Cook in a single layer in the basket for 12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes, until browned at the edges and tender when pierced.
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Tip into a bowl, toss with the lemon juice and parsley and serve.
Why the Method Works
A side for four that is on the table in 25 minutes and needs one bowl and one basket. The air fryer circulates very hot air around the florets, which browns the edges and leaves the middle tender, with a fraction of the oil that roasting in a pan would take. Weeknights suit it.
Cut the florets to a similar size so they cook at the same rate; very large ones stay raw in the middle while the small ones scorch. Toss them in oil first, then the spices, so the seasoning sticks. Shake the basket a few times, because the florets at the edge brown first. Do not overfill the basket. Crowded florets steam.
Lemon juice and parsley go on after cooking, so they stay bright. Serve as a side for chicken or fish, or add to a grain bowl. Leftovers keep for 3 days. They re-crisp in the air fryer.
After You've Cooked It
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer.
Serving Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Grilled chicken
- Baked fish
- A grain bowl
Questions and Answers
How long does Air Fryer Cauliflower take to make?
About 25 minutes in total — 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Air Fryer Cauliflower?
Dry the florets well after washing; surface water stops them browning. If your basket is small, cook the cauliflower in two batches. Add a pinch of chilli flakes with the other spices for a hotter version.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower?
Grilled chicken; Baked fish; A grain bowl.
How should Air Fryer Cauliflower be stored?
Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer.
Is Air Fryer Cauliflower suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, weight-loss friendly, low-carb, keto and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Air Fryer Cauliflower?
About 84 kcal per serving, with 3 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Nutrition Facts
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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