The Best Air Fried Cauliflower Recipe (Spicy & Crispy)

This air fried cauliflower recipe is perfect if you’re in the mood for a savory side dish or snack! Spices such as ground pepper and smoked paprika give it a strong flavor. 

This air fried cauliflower recipe is going to become your new go-to vegetable side dish. It’s well seasoned with a blend of savory spices and has a crispy top and delicate inside.

What is an Air Fried Cauliflower Recipe?

Roasted cauliflower is an excellent side dish. It tastes great in salads and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. You can add roasted cauliflower to the salads, Buddha bowls, and soups as well. It’s also a fantastic low-calorie snack option. Moreover, the recipe is nutritious, as it requires only a small quantity of oil.

In that case, if you’re among those who frequently purchase cauliflower but are at a loss on what to do with it. Here’s a really basic side dish recipe that you can make using an air fryer. You don’t own an Air Fryer. Not a problem! Simply turn on your oven!

Why You’ll Love the Recipe?

• The recipe offers a mouth-watering taste and flavor of roasting
• The roasted cauliflower is tender with crunchy, browned edges 
• The recipe is easy and quick and can be made in less than fifteen minutes
• It’s a cheap recipe with only six basic ingredients
• It’s a wholesome, low-carb, and gluten-free side dish recipe

How To Cut Cauliflower?

Take off the leaves and carefully wash the head of cauliflower. Using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, pat dry completely.

Cut off the cauliflower stalk with a chef’s knife so that it can rest on your counter. Next, cut it in half lengthwise and, with the knife held at an angle, remove the core. You can use the knife point to separate the florets or they will separate on their own.

Are Cauliflower Leaves And Stems Edible?

Yes! They all are edible. I usually roast the leaves and serve them separately. I also use the frozen stems in smoothies. They also work well in stews, stir-fries, and soups.

How to Season the Cauliflower?

To make seasoning the florets easier, place them in a large bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season to taste. Garlic powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper are usually my first choices.

Sometimes, I use my own seasonings, like the taco seasoning and fajita seasoning.

Ingredients for Air Fried Cauliflower Recipe

A small Cauliflower Head (cut into florets)

Olive Oil

Ground Turmeric

Smoked Paprika

Salt

Ground Black Pepper

Recipe Instructions

Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil. 

Mix all the spices including turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Toss the cauliflower in the spice mixture and make sure to coat them well.

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roast the seasoned cauliflower for about fifteen minutes. Check every three minutes.

Once you’re done, take it out of the air fryer basket and place it onto a platter. Serve it hot or cold with freshly squeezed lemon juice and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Roasting cauliflower in an Air Fryer requires constant observation because it burns rapidly. The timing of the roasting process varies based on the density and freshness of the cauliflower. So it may take less or more time. To ensure that the florets are uniformly roasted, check and jiggle the basket every three minutes.

You can add your favorite seasonings. Add anything you like such as curry powder, cumin, coriander, onion, garlic, or crushed chili powder.

Instead of using olive oil, you can use avocado or corn oil.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower?

This crispy air fried cauliflower recipe is a tasty and effortless side dish to pair with veggie burgers or sandwiches. It would go great with any of the following recipes:

• Artichoke Parm Sandwich
• Veggie Burgers
• Black Bean Burgers
• BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

The cauliflower can also be eaten by itself as an appetizer or snack. Serve it with a delicious dipping sauce on the side, and squeeze some lemon juice over it whether you’re serving it as part of a larger dinner or not. My favorite way to enjoy cauliflower cooked in the air fryer is with tartar sauce, but it also tastes great with vegan ranch dressing or chipotle sauce. Select one, or try several, the choice is yours!

How to Store and Reheat the Air Fried Cauliflower?

• Store the air-fried cauliflower for three to four days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Give the cauliflower a few minutes in the air fryer to reheat. You can use the microwave, but it will come out mushier.
• For two to three months, store cooked cauliflower in the freezer. Refrigerate to thaw, then reheat in the air fryer.