Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower
This Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower is perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with garlic, paprika, and Parmesan. It’s a quick, healthy side dish or snack that’s ready in under 25 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
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Buffalo sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets.
- In a large bowl, toss the florets with the 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, leaving a little space between the florets.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- During the last 2 minutes, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using, and continue cooking until melted and lightly golden.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips
- Dry the cauliflower well before seasoning to help it crisp up.
- Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.
- For extra crispy edges, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- This cauliflower pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, burgers, or can be enjoyed as a healthy snack on its own.