Looking for a wholesome snack? Our air fryer roasted cauliflower recipe ticks all the boxes! It's crispy, well-seasoned, and so tasty. Serve it with dip on the side, and enjoy an alternative to fries or chips you'll feel great about eating!
Jump to:
- Why air fry cauliflower?
- Watch the Video
- Ingredients for Air Frying Cauliflower
- How to Cut Cauliflower
- How to Roast Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
- Recipe Tips
- Try this recipe as a side dish for...
- Storing Leftover Roasted Cauliflower
- Roasted Cauliflower Variations
- Air Fryer Veggie Recipes
- Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
- Feedback
The secret to making any vegetable irresistibly delicious is simple: roast it in oil and seasoning until it's crisp and tender. Air fryer roasted cauliflower is the perfect example! It's light, yet flavorful and filling. Coated in our signature chili rub, this is one air fryer recipe you're going to want to keep making!
If you have kids or other picky eaters to feed, this simple recipe for roasted cauliflower in the air fryer might be the ticket to getting them to eat more vegetables. Give it a try!
Why air fry cauliflower?
- It's so fast. From start to finish, roasting cauliflower in the air fryer takes under 20 minutes. Compare that to the oven, where preheating and cooking can take over 30 minutes!
- It won't heat up your kitchen. Roasted cauliflower is a great snack year-round, but during the summer, we don't want to turn our oven on and heat up the house even more. Air frying keeps things cool!
- It's a great alternative to fries. We love homemade fries, but air fryer cauliflower is a great alternative when you want to enjoy a lighter treat. Cauliflower is low carb and high in vitamins (source), and so tasty that it's perfect for getting in your daily serving of veggies!
- It's easy. You'll have delicious air fryer roasted cauliflower on the table in less than 10 simple steps.
Watch the Video
Ingredients for Air Frying Cauliflower
- Cauliflower: You can use an entire head of cauliflower separated into florets, or buy already-cut florets. They should be fresh, not frozen.
- Avocado Oil: Our preferred oil for air frying roasted cauliflower is avocado oil, thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. If you want to use olive oil, use light olive oil for best results. See our guide to air frying oils for more info.
- Chili Rub Seasoning: We're using our amazing chili rub seasoning recipe, but you can also use a simple mix of kosher salt, black pepper, and a dash of paprika and garlic powder (optional) to taste.
How to Cut Cauliflower
If you're new to cutting cauliflower or just want a refresher, we put together a video (and written) guide on How to Cut Cauliflower. Cauliflower needs to be washed and then pat dry with paper towels or kitchen towels, then the stems and leaves removed, before cutting.
Note: it's not strictly necessary to toss the leaves and stems, as they are edible, but this recipe only uses florets.
How to Roast Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it preheats, wash your cauliflower and cut it into florets. See our video guide on How to Cut Cauliflower if you need help.
Step 2
Place cut cauliflower florets into a large bowl with oil and seasoning. Toss to coat completely with the seasoning mixture.
Step 3
Pour cauliflower florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer as much as possible. Try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, or your florets won't get as crispy as they could.
Step 4
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp to your liking. Shake the basket halfway through air frying. Carefully remove from the air fryer when done, and enjoy!
IMPORTANT: If you're using a toaster-oven style air fryer model with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air, stir halfway through the cook time and cook for 12-14 minutes instead.
Recipe Tips
- Cook time will depend on the size of the cauliflower florets and the space they have in the air fryer. Bigger florets will take longer to cook. Additionally, a crowded air fryer will result in less crispy cauliflower and uneven cooking.
- Cook time may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer model, as all brands vary. As always, use the cook time and temperature as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
Try this recipe as a side dish for...
Our crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe goes with a variety of main dishes! Try it with all of your favorite dinners.
Storing Leftover Roasted Cauliflower
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again. You could reheat them in the microwave if you need them quickly, but they won't come out crispy.
Roasted Cauliflower Variations
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Coat cauliflower in buffalo sauce and serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or blue cheese!
- Use Other Spices: We're using our homemade chili rub, but you can vary the spices you use according to your taste preferences! Cauliflower is very versatile, so it will pair well with everything from chili powder to curry powder. Season them however you like!
- Lemon Juice and Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and lemon juice is a delicious pairing combo with this cauliflower recipe. Try a little fresh parsley, too.
Air Fryer Veggie Recipes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Asparagus in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- See all of our air fryer veggies!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets; or 24 ounces fresh cauliflower florets
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil see our guide to oils for air frying
- 1 Tablespoon chili rub seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400℉.
- Wash 1 head Cauliflower and cut into florets. See our video on How to Cut Cauliflower for extra help.
- Place cauliflower florets in a large bowl and toss with 1 Tablespoon avocado oil and 1 Tablespoon chili rub seasoning. Mix to coat the cauliflower florets with the seasoning.
- Pour cauliflower florets into the air fryer basket in a single layer as best as you can. A little overlap is okay, but the more space you leave them, the crispier they will get.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until tender crisp to your liking. Be sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook time will depend on the size of the cauliflower florets and the space they have in the air fryer. Bigger florets will take longer to cook. Additionally, a crowded air fryer will result in less crispy cauliflower and uneven cooking.
- Cook time may need to be adjusted depending on your specific air fryer model, as all brands vary. As always, use the cook time and temperature as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
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