Description
This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy cauliflower with a crispy texture and smoky paprika flavor. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, it brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower enhanced with olive oil and seasonings, all cooked effortlessly in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 4-5 cups)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or avocado)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Parsley (optional)
- Additional paprika for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Heat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for at least 3 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for crispy cauliflower.
- Prepare cauliflower: Cut the large head of cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets, about 4-5 cups total, to ensure even cooking.
- Make the seasoning mix: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook in the air fryer: Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer as much as possible. Cook for 10-12 minutes at 370°F, shaking or tossing the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Adjust time slightly depending on floret size and quantity.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked to desired crispness, transfer the cauliflower to a serving dish. Sprinkle additional paprika and finely chopped fresh parsley on top for color and extra flavor if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut cauliflower florets uniform in size for even cooking.
- Use oil of your choice but avocado or olive oil enhances flavor and crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste if you prefer milder or stronger flavors.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on air fryer model and floret size.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Parsley garnish adds freshness but is optional.
