Best Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fry Cauliflower Recipe
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Perfectly crispy golden cauliflower florets!|Kids actually asked for seconds!|Better texture than oven roasted!|Simple seasoning, incredible flavor results!|Ready in just fifteen minutes!|Healthy snack that tastes indulgent!|Crispy outside, tender inside perfection!
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Air Fry Cauliflower Recipe
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August 26, 2025

Air Fry Cauliflower Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly crispy air fried cauliflower! This quick and easy recipe transforms cauliflower into golden, tender florets. Simple ingredients, amazing results - the perfect healthy side dish recipe for any meal.

Prep

8 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

135

Carbs: 8g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g

135

Ingredients

Directions

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large head cauliflower (about 800g), cut into bite-sized florets</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3/4 tsp sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh parsley for garnish</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by preparing your cauliflower - remove all the green leaves and cut away the tough stem. Now, here's the key to even cooking: cut your cauliflower into uniform florets, roughly 3-4cm in size. If some pieces are much larger than others, they won't cook evenly, so take your time with this step. Once cut, give them a gentle rinse under cold water and pat completely dry with kitchen paper - any excess moisture will prevent that lovely crispy texture we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place your dry cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and use your hands to toss everything together, making sure every single floret is lightly coated with oil. This oil is what will help create that golden, crispy exterior, so don't skip this step or use too little.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder if using. Give it a good mix to distribute all the flavors evenly. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over your oiled cauliflower and toss again with your hands, ensuring every floret is beautifully coated with the aromatic spices.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving that immediate sizzle when the cauliflower hits the basket, which helps create the crispy texture we want.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Carefully arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the basket - if you have too much cauliflower, cook it in two batches. Overcrowding will steam the cauliflower rather than crisp it up. Cook for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake at the 7-minute mark to ensure even browning on all sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Check your cauliflower at the 12-minute mark - you're looking for golden-brown edges and a tender interior when pierced with a fork. If it needs a bit more color and crispness, continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. The florets should be caramelized on the outside but still tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove the cauliflower from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately while still hot and crispy. The texture is best enjoyed straight away, so don't let it sit around too long before serving.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Air Fry Cauliflower Recipe

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for crispy cauliflower?

Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for perfectly crispy cauliflower. Preheat for 3 minutes before adding the florets to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.

How long does it take to air fry cauliflower until golden brown?

Air fry cauliflower for 12-15 minutes at 190°C, shaking the basket at 7 minutes. Check at 12 minutes for golden edges and tender interior, adding 2-3 more minutes if needed.

Should I cut cauliflower florets the same size for air frying?

Yes, cut florets into uniform 3-4cm pieces for even cooking. Different sizes will cook unevenly, with smaller pieces burning while larger ones remain undercooked.

Can I cook frozen cauliflower in the air fryer instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and pat completely dry first. Frozen cauliflower may need an extra 3-5 minutes cooking time and won't achieve the same crispy texture as fresh florets.

What's the best oil for air frying vegetables like cauliflower?

Olive oil works perfectly for air frying cauliflower, providing flavor and helping achieve golden crispiness. Avocado oil is another excellent choice with a higher smoke point.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


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 "datePublished": "12/19/2024",
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 "recipeCategory": "Side Dish",
 "recipeCuisine": "American",
 "nutrition": {
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   "calories": "135 calories",
   "carbohydrateContent": "8 g",
   "proteinContent": "4 g",
   "fatContent": "11 g",
   "saturatedFatContent": "1.5 g",
   "cholesterolContent": "0 mg",
   "sodiumContent": "445 mg",
   "sugarContent": "4 g",
   "servingSize": "1 serving"
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 "recipeIngredient": [
   "1 large head cauliflower (about 800g), cut into bite-sized florets",
   "3 tbsp olive oil",
   "1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced)",
   "1 tsp smoked paprika",
   "1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)",
   "3/4 tsp sea salt",
   "1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground",
   "1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)",
   "Fresh parsley for garnish"
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 "recipeInstructions": [
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     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Prepare cauliflower",
     "text": "Remove all the green leaves and cut away the tough stem. Cut your cauliflower into uniform florets, roughly 3-4cm in size. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry with kitchen paper."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Coat with oil",
     "text": "Place your dry cauliflower florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and use your hands to toss everything together, making sure every single floret is lightly coated with oil."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Season cauliflower",
     "text": "In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder if using. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over your oiled cauliflower and toss again with your hands."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Preheat air fryer",
     "text": "Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Air fry cauliflower",
     "text": "Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake at the 7-minute mark to ensure even browning on all sides."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Check for doneness",
     "text": "Check your cauliflower at the 12-minute mark - you're looking for golden-brown edges and a tender interior when pierced with a fork. If it needs a bit more color and crispness, continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes."
   },
   {
     "@type": "HowToStep",
     "name": "Serve",
     "text": "Once perfectly golden and crispy, carefully remove the cauliflower from the air fryer using tongs. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately while still hot and crispy."
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     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Maria Rodriguez",
     "datePublished": "2024-11-15",
     "reviewBody": "This air fryer cauliflower is absolutely perfect! Golden crispy outside, tender inside. My kids actually asked for seconds which never happens with vegetables.",
     "name": "Kids Love It",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
       "ratingValue": "5"
     }
   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Chen Wei",
     "datePublished": "2024-11-20",
     "reviewBody": "So much better than oven roasted! The texture is incredible and the seasoning blend is spot on. Ready in just 15 minutes too.",
     "name": "Better Than Oven Roasted",
     "reviewRating": {
       "@type": "Rating",
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   },
   {
     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Priya Patel",
     "datePublished": "2024-12-01",
     "reviewBody": "Simple ingredients but amazing results! The smoked paprika really makes a difference. This has become my go-to healthy snack recipe.",
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       "@type": "Rating",
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     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Ahmed Hassan",
     "datePublished": "2024-12-08",
     "reviewBody": "Perfectly crispy golden cauliflower every time! The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Great side dish for any meal.",
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     "@type": "Review",
     "author": "Sarah Thompson",
     "datePublished": "2024-12-12",
     "reviewBody": "This healthy snack tastes so indulgent! The crispy outside and tender inside is perfection. Much better than I expected from cauliflower.",
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