Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavour-packed side dish that goes with just about everything? This air fryer cauliflower ticks all the boxes. It’s golden, crispy on the edges, and perfectly seasoned. Ready in under 20 minutes with barely any prep. Thanks to the magic of the air-fryer, you get that lovely roasted flavour and caramelised crunch without having to turn on the oven or wait around for ages. It’s an ideal go-to whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or jazzing up leftovers.
Cauliflower is a bit of a kitchen chameleon. Mild enough to soak up spices and seasonings, but still hearty enough to stand on its own. The air fryer really brings out its natural sweetness and nutty notes while keeping the inside tender. A little olive oil, a few simple spices, and you’re sorted. Best of all, there’s no need for constant flipping or fussing. Just throw it in the basket and let the air fryer do the work.
This crispy cauliflower works brilliantly as a side with curries, grilled meat or fish, or veggie mains. It’s also delicious scattered over grain bowls, folded into salads, or served simply with a garlicky dip or drizzle of tahini. You could even toss it through pasta or add to wraps for something a bit different. However you serve it, it’s one of those easy, adaptable recipes that will quickly earn a regular spot in your rotation.
Whether you’re trying to eat more veg or just after a simple snack with a bit of crunch, this air-fryer cauliflower delivers big flavour with minimal effort. It’s healthy comfort food at its best. And once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a keeper.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 5-8 minutes
SERVES 2-3 people as a side
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to serve
Method
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F), if your model requires preheating. This ensures that the cauliflower starts cooking immediately and roasts evenly, giving you that golden, crispy finish from the get-go.
Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly, then pat it dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. Removing excess moisture helps the florets crisp up nicely rather than steam. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are too large, they may stay a bit firm in the centre while others brown too quickly.
Place the florets into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together, making sure each piece is well coated in the oil and seasoning. This simple mix adds loads of flavour while helping the edges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Next, arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. Air needs to circulate around the pieces to roast them properly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, cook in two or more batches.
Air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on it towards the end. The cauliflower should be golden brown with crisp edges and tender middles.
Once cooked, transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving dish. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for colour and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower
1. Cut florets evenly: One of the most important steps is making sure your cauliflower florets are similar in size. This ensures they roast evenly. No overcooked bits or underdone centres. Aim for medium-sized pieces, not too big or too small.
2. Don’t overcrowd the basket: It’s tempting to cram everything in at once, but giving the florets space is key for crispiness. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. Cook in batches if needed. It’s worth it for the texture.
3. Dry the cauliflower well: After washing, make sure to pat the cauliflower dry. Any excess moisture will cause the florets to steam rather than crisp. A clean tea towel or kitchen paper does the trick.
4. Shake or turn halfway: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps the cauliflower roast evenly on all sides. If your air fryer doesn’t have a removable basket, use tongs to flip the florets gently.
5. Adjust the timing: Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on the cauliflower, especially towards the end. Some may be ready in 5 minutes, others might take closer to 8. Go by colour and texture: golden brown with crisp edges is the goal.
6. Add flavour twists: Garlic powder, salt and pepper are a great base, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Try smoked paprika, ground cumin, curry powder, or chilli flakes. A little grated Parmesan added in the last minute of cooking is also delicious.
7. Serve fresh: Air fryer cauliflower is best enjoyed straight away while it’s still hot and crisp. If you’re making it ahead, reheat briefly in the air fryer to revive that crunch.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Air Fryer Cauliflower, here are five more pork recipes that bring big flavour with minimal faff, all made in the air fryer:
Air Fryer Fried Rice
The perfect side or leftover upgrade. This egg-fried rice comes together beautifully in the air fryer. Add bits of leftover pork, frozen peas, or chopped spring onion to make it your own. Great with a drizzle of sriracha or soy.
Air Fryer Pork Noodles
Quick, punchy, and perfect for busy evenings. These sticky pork noodles are made with marinated strips of pork, cooked in the air fryer, then tossed through saucy noodles with spring onion and chilli. A fake-away classic made easy.
Easy Air Fryer Pork Chops
Juicy, golden, and full of flavour, these pork chops are marinated in a garlic-soy mixture and air fried until perfectly tender inside with a little caramelised crisp on the outside. Serve with rice, greens or even air fryer potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Air Fryer Pork Meatballs
These juicy pork meatballs are packed with zingy flavour from lime, chilli, and fresh herbs. Air fried until lightly crisped, they’re ideal for noodle bowls, lettuce wraps or just dipped in a tangy sauce.
Air Fryer Pork Steak
Quick, sticky, and savoury-sweet, this pork steak is glazed in a sesame, soy and honey marinade, then cooked in the air fryer in under 12 minutes. Serve it with rice, greens, or tucked into bao buns.
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