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Home » Recipes » air fryer » Air Fryer Cauliflower

March 15, 2024

Air Fryer Cauliflower

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Air Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness. via @foodtasticmomAir Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness. via @foodtasticmomAir Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness. via @foodtasticmomAir Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness. via @foodtasticmom

Air Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness.
(Originally published 6/24/21 and updated for content 3/15/24)

If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Pumpkin next!

A plate of yellow hued roasted cauliflower fresh from the air fryer ready to eat

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Eventually I will have cooked every vegetable that exists in my air fryer. The constant circulation of hot air the air fryer provides is like magic. Traditional roasted cauliflower takes a fraction of the time using your air fryer. It is a healthy side dish that uses less oil than roasting in your oven. The bold flavor of curry powder also adds a pretty yellow hue to these crispy cauliflower bites. The cauliflower florets almost remind me of popcorn when cooked in the air fryer. And maybe that will help you convince any picky eaters you have to try it! It might just become one of your new favorite vegetables.

More air fryer recipes

  • Air Fryer Potato Skins
  • Chex Mix in the Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Poblano Peppers

Ingredients for air-fried cauliflower

  • Cauliflower – This recipe is for air frying one large head of cauliflower.
  • Vegetable Oil – Just a small amount is needed, avocado oil or olive oil are great choices for this recipe.
  • Curry Powder – I like the color and flavor the curry adds to the cauliflower, the flavors pair well together.
  • Salt – Further enhances the flavor of the cooked cauliflower
  • Variations – Feel free to season the cauliflower however you like. Use onion powder or garlic powder. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lime juice. Add black pepper or cayenne pepper. Or even toss the cauliflower in a little buffalo sauce and dip it in blue cheese dressing!

whole head of cauliflower on a cutting board ready to be cut into florets

Instructions

Remove the green outer leaves from the bottom of the head of cauliflower. I just use my hands to gently peel and tear them away. Rinse the cauliflower under cold water and drain. Place the head of cauliflower upside down on a cutting board. Use a sharp pairing knife to cut the florets away from the stem in the middle.

cut up cauliflower florets with knife on a black cutting board

Once you have prepared the cauliflower florets, toss them in a large bowl with a bit of vegetable oil. Then season with curry powder and salt. Add the cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375 degrees F for 12 – 14 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Use tongs to remove the cooked cauliflower from the air fryer basket.

roasted cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket

Can you eat the stem and leaves?

Yes they are safe and good to eat. To be honest with you. I usually don’t and end up throwing the stems and leaves in my compost pile. However, you can roast the leaves and make a soup from the stems.

Storage directions

Store any uneaten cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Serve cold leftovers on salads. Or reheat the air-fried cauliflower in the microwave for an easy side dish.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer cauliflower is so versatile. It’s a perfect side dish for practically any main dish protein – pork chops, chicken, steak or seafood. It also can be a vegetable addition to salads, buddha bowls or rice bowls.

Kitchen Tips

  • I use a Philips XXL Air Fryer to test all of my recipes.
  • Here’s the pairing knife that I swear by – it costs less than $10!
  • Don’t use cooking spray like Pam when using your air fryer. It will damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time
Air Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness.
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5 from 8 votes

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer cauliflower, air-fried cauliflower, crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe, crispy cauliflower recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Calories 85kcal
Author Jill McOwen

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Wash the cauliflower and drain the excess water.
  • Remove the stems and cut the florets away from the stem. Cut or use your hands to break up the florets into pieces that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
  • Toss the cauliflower florets with the vegetable oil, curry powder and salt until well coated.
  • Add the seasoned cauliflower to the basket of your air fryer.
  • Air fry the cauliflower at 375 degrees F for about 12 - 14 minutes, or until your cauliflower is tender. Time will depend on your brand of air fryer.
  • Taste the cauliflower and season with more salt if necessary before serving. I sometimes squeeze a little lemon juice on it after air frying.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 640mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 101mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Cauliflower is such a great side dish to make. Fresh cauliflower, a little curry powder and salt cook to perfect crisp tenderness.

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Air fryer side dish recipes

  • Air Fryer French Fries
  • Air Fryer Broccoli
  • Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
  • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa Kerhin says

    June 25, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    I love using my air fryer and this cauliflower looks amazing cooked in it. Can’t wait to try it

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      I know you’re going to love it!

      Reply
  2. Marlynn says

    June 25, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    5 stars
    Love the curry powder with air fried cauliflower!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      Me too!

      Reply
  3. Alejandra says

    June 25, 2021 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    I always love good air fryer recipes! I didn’t know cauliflower could look so good— so golden and crispy, delicious!!!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:08 pm

      It’s the best. Curry and cauliflower go so well together.

      Reply
  4. veenaazmanov says

    June 25, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    5 stars
    Simple and yet such a flavorful dish. Lovely starter option. Perfect for a veg platter.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      It would be perfect on a veggie platter, great idea!

      Reply
  5. Heather says

    June 25, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    I just FINALLY got an air fryer and I am obsessed! I’ve been trying to find healthy-er veggie recipes and this cauliflower recipe sounds so simple and good 🙂

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      June 25, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      I’m obsessed with my air fryer too. Enjoy!!

      Reply
  6. Pav says

    February 21, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    Do you think coconut oil would work with curry and cauliflower ?

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      February 25, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      Yes.

      Reply
  7. MacKenzie says

    March 19, 2024 at 10:28 pm

    5 stars
    We made this air fryer cauliflower tonight. It was delicious! The curry added the best flavor

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 24, 2024 at 3:38 pm

      I’m glad you loved it!

      Reply
  8. DK says

    March 20, 2024 at 12:22 am

    5 stars
    Great call on the curry powder – it gives the cauliflower a deeper umami and makes this a tasty dish!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 24, 2024 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you I’m glad you agree!

      Reply
  9. Ieva says

    March 20, 2024 at 2:53 am

    5 stars
    This recipe fueled my already serious obsession with an air-fryer 🙂 Truly the most delicious to cook cauliflower – love the crispy exterior!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 24, 2024 at 3:37 pm

      Oh good! I just love mine. I’m glad you enjoyed the cauliflower!

      Reply
  10. Dannii says

    March 20, 2024 at 7:20 am

    5 stars
    The best way to cook cauliflower! Perfectly crispy.

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 23, 2024 at 1:43 pm

      Yes, I agree!

      Reply
  11. Tayler says

    March 20, 2024 at 9:36 am

    5 stars
    I made this cauliflower with dinner last night and it was amazing! Definitely a new go to side!

    Reply
    • foodtasticmom says

      March 23, 2024 at 1:42 pm

      Oh good I’m so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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My name is Jill and I share simple and delicious, family-friendly recipes. I want you to feel super in YOUR kitchen!

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