This air fryer cauliflower recipe is perfect when you want a tasty side dish in a hurry. Even those who profess not to love cauliflower (like my family) will wolf this down. Honestly, it's in a whole different world to boiled cauliflower. Crispy, flavourful and downright delicious. Plus it cooks in just 15 minutes and you can tailor the seasoning to elevate the flavour even further.
Sometimes I like to make a vegetable the star of the show like with my air fryer cauliflower steaks recipe. But other times, I just want a speedy side dish. That's when I turn to this recipe for air fryer cauliflower florets. I also love adding it to salad dishes and buddha bowls. So if you're wondering what to do with that whole head of cauliflower that's sitting in your fridge, give this easy air fryer cauliflower recipe a go.
How to prepare and cut a cauliflower into florets
Start by removing the leaves from the cauliflower head. Give it a good rinse under cold water. Then, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, pat the cauliflower completely dry.
Next take your chef's knife. Trim off the bottom of the cauliflower stalk so it sits flat on your chopping board. Now, slice the cauliflower in half vertically. With your knife at a slight angle, carefully remove the core (you can switch to a smaller knife if you find it easier for this part). As you do this, the florets should naturally separate. If needed, you can use the tip of your knife to gently coax them apart.
Ingredients for air fryer cauliflower recipe
- Cauliflower florets - I like to use fresh florets, cut from a whole cauliflower
- Olive oil (unrefined) - This is optional but helps give the cauliflower crispy edges
- Onion salt - Adds extra savoury flavour
- Paprika - This adds a wonderful colour to the cauliflower and just a hint of heat
- Salt and pepper - To enhance the flavour of the cauliflower
For quantities, see recipe card.
How to air fry cauliflower florets
Take the cut florets and drizzle with olive oil. Then gently mix in your seasonings to coat the cauliflower.
Place the cauliflower into your air fryer basket (I like to use a liner to stop the delicate cauliflower from sticking) and air fry for around 15 minutes at 390°F (200°), gently turning the florets every few minutes so they cook evenly.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Florets
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl
- Add the oil and gently toss to coat the florets
- Sprinkle over the onion powder, paprika and salt and pepper and give everything a final toss
- Place the florets into your air fryer basket (I like to remove the tray and use an air fryer liner at the bottom of the basket)
- Air fry 390°F (200°), gently turning the florets every few minutes so they cook evenly.
- Your cauliflower is ready when the edges are beginning to crisp and the middle is tender. Serve and enjoy!
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