Crispy Air-Fried Cauliflower

This easy air-fried cauliflower is tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfectly seasoned. It makes a delicious side dish, snack, or appetizer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–28 minutes
Servings: 4

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)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes.
Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets.
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the edges are golden and crispy.
If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approximate values (without Parmesan):

Calories: 95
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g

Optional Dipping Sauces

Garlic Greek yogurt dip
Ranch dressing
Buffalo sauce
Honey mustard
Marinara sauce
Spicy sriracha mayo

Flavor Variations

Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Garlic Parmesan: Double the Parmesan and add extra garlic powder.
Lemon Herb: Finish with fresh lemon zest and chopped dill or parsley.
Curry: Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon curry powder.

Tips

Dry the cauliflower well before seasoning to help it crisp up.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—air needs to circulate around the florets.
For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Serve immediately for the best texture.