If you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy cauliflower, you’ve got to try this crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make. The air fryer is my go-to method when it comes to cooking veggies. It gives them a crispy texture with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.
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This air fried cauliflower is even better when you add a cheesy garlic parmesan crust to the mix. It just takes things to a whole new level of yumminess. With just a few basic ingredients and about 15 minutes in the air fryer, you'll have a dish that's sure to impress your family or guests. So, let's get to it and make some air fryer cauliflower bites!
This was inspired by my Easy Asian Garlic Noodle recipe, I needed a healthy vegetable side dish and this was the perfect pairing. For proteins, I really highly suggest my Honey Garlic Chicken Breast and my Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops with my Garlic Braised Kale.
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Why you will love this dish
- It's a healthier way to enjoy a classic comfort food: Fried cauliflower is a popular comfort food, but it’s often loaded with oil and calories. By air frying the cauliflower and adding a Parmesan crust, this recipe is a healthier alternative that still satisfies their cravings.
- It's easy and quick to make: People love air fryer recipes that are easy and quick to make, especially on busy weeknights. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes in the air fryer, making it a great option for those who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- It's a versatile side dish or snack: This air-fried cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served as an easy side dish for dinner or as healthy snacks. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings, and it's sure to become your new favorite way to serve cauliflower.
What you need for Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets
Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (parmesan)
Extra virgin olive oil
Flat leaf parsley
Fresh garlic
Red chili flakes (optional)
Pinch of salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make air fryer cauliflower
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-size florets. Make sure every piece has a flat area for the parmesan crust to adhere to.
- Mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, parsley and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Spread the parmesan mixture evenly on the bottom of the air fryer basket. Make sure to remove the bottom tray. You want a flat surface for the crust to form.
- Place the cauliflower flat side down.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until the parmesan cheese is melted and brown and develops a nice bottom crust.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitutions
- Cauliflower: If you don't have cauliflower, you could try using broccoli florets instead. Or, you could use a different vegetable altogether, such as zucchini, eggplant, or carrots.
- Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: If you can't find Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, you could use a different type of hard, salty cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Alternatively, you could try using nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Extra virgin olive oil: You could use any type of cooking oil that you prefer, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
- Flat leaf parsley: If you don't have parsley, you could try using cilantro, basil, chives, or a similar seasoning blend instead.
- Minced garlic: You could use garlic powder or onion powder instead of minced garlic. Alternatively, you could omit the garlic altogether.
- Red chili flakes: If you don't like spicy food, you could omit red chili powder or flakes. Or, you could use a different type of chili pepper, such as cayenne pepper or paprika, for a milder heat.
Variations
Here are a few different variations you could try with this air fryer cauliflower recipe:
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Toss the fresh cauliflower florets with a mixture of hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder before air frying. Once they’re cooked, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery.
- Italian Cauliflower: Instead of Parmesan cheese, use mozzarella cheese and add some Italian seasoning. Serve with a tasty dipping sauce like marinara sauce.
- Mediterranean Cauliflower: Replace the Parmesan cheese with feta cheese, and add some chopped Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh oregano to the mix.
- Ranch Cauliflower: Mix together some ranch seasoning mix and Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs), then coat the cauliflower florets in the mixture before air frying. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch dressing.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
How to store cauliflower
To store leftover air fried cauliflower, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the cauliflower, you can use the air fryer again, or you can use a conventional oven or microwave. Here's how to do it:
- Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cooked cauliflower in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover breaded cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Place the leftover cauliflower in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
3 Top Tips for Success
- Use dry cauliflower florets: Moisture is the enemy of crispy cauliflower. To ensure your cauliflower gets crispy and golden brown, make sure the florets are dry before you start. You can blot them dry with kitchen towels, or let them air dry for a bit before coating them in the Parmesan mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the best results, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The cauliflower needs space to cook evenly and get crispy edges. If you need to make a large batch, you may need to cook it in batches to ensure the cauliflower gets crispy and evenly cooked.
- Flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking: To make sure the cauliflower gets crispy on all sides, it's a good idea to flip it halfway through cooking. This will ensure that the Parmesan coating gets evenly browned and the cauliflower gets crispy on all sides. Use tongs to carefully flip the cauliflower florets over, and then return them to the air fryer basket to finish cooking.
Best Air Fryer Cauliflower - FAQ
Some nutrient loss may occur during air frying due to exposure to heat and oxygen, but it is generally minimal compared to other cooking methods.
The cooking time for cauliflower in an air fryer depends on the size and thickness of the florets, as well as the temperature of the air fryer. Typically, it takes 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to cook cauliflower until it is tender and golden brown with a crispy exterior.
Yes, it is okay to soak cauliflower in water. Soaking cauliflower in water can help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the cauliflower. It is generally recommended to only soak cauliflower for two to three minutes before rinsing and drying it thoroughly before cooking.
Related
Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with air fried cauliflower:
Best Air Fryer Cauliflower (Parmesan Crusted)
Air Fryer Cauliflower is amazing! With just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes in the air fryer, you'll have a dish that's sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups of cauliflower
- Category: sides
- Method: air fry
Ingredients
2 cups of cauliflower florets
½ cup of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (parmesan)
2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon of flat leaf parsley, minced
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-size florets. Make sure every piece has a flat area for the parmesan crust to adhere to.
- Mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, parsley and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Spread the parmesan mixture evenly on the bottom of the air fryer basket. Make sure to remove the bottom tray. You want a flat surface for the crust to form.
- Place the cauliflower flat side down.
- Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until the parmesan cheese is melted and brown and develops a nice bottom crust.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Irene says
This can be a healthy snack
Ruth says
My son loves the crust it makes haha
Charlotte M says
This is a MUST try for all vegetarians!!!! I think I found my new favorite food!!!
Carmen Spillette says
Thank you
Polly says
Tastes so good even without sauce!
Carmen says
Thank you, Polly
Rachelle says
What kind of sauces would you recommend for this dish?
Carmen Spillette says
Hi Rachelle, great question. This will not need a sauce as the parmesan is already rich enough. As a sauce lover, I would never say that except in this case.