Best Air Fryer Cauliflower (Parmesan Crusted)

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.

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. 

Jump to:

• Why you will love this dish
• What you need for Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
• How to make air fryer cauliflower
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• How to store cauliflower
• 3 Top Tips for Success
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Best Air Fryer Cauliflower (Parmesan Crusted)

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

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Extra virgin olive oil: You could use any type of cooking oil that you prefer, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.
   
4. Flat leaf parsley: If you don’t have parsley, you could try using cilantro, basil, chives, or a similar seasoning blend instead.
5. Minced garlic: You could use garlic powder or onion powder instead of minced garlic. Alternatively, you could omit the garlic altogether.
   
6. 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:

1. 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.
   
2. Italian Cauliflower: Instead of Parmesan cheese, use mozzarella cheese and add some Italian seasoning. Serve with a tasty dipping sauce like marinara sauce.
   
3. Mediterranean Cauliflower: Replace the Parmesan cheese with feta cheese, and add some chopped Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh oregano to the mix.
   
4. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

FAQ

Related

Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with air fried cauliflower:

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