Air-Fried Crispy Cauliflower
This air-fried crispy cauliflower is golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with savory spices. It’s a delicious side dish, appetizer, or healthy snack that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets.
- In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the florets are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking, if using.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips
- Pat the cauliflower completely dry before seasoning to help it crisp up.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for the best texture.
- For extra crunch, toss the florets with 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.