Air Fryer Baked Cauliflower
This Air Fryer Baked Cauliflower is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. It’s a healthy, flavorful side dish 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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional for Serving
- Lemon wedges
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mayo
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 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.
- Cook until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and 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.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispy cauliflower, lightly spray the florets with cooking oil before air frying.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or as a healthy snack with your favorite dip.