If you’re on the hunt for a nutritious snack or delicious side dish, look no further than our air fryer cauliflower recipe. With a medley of spices and a satisfying crunch, this dish is a flavor-packed winner.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Ingredients

Cauliflower is the main ingredient, offering a mild, earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch, making it versatile and perfect for absorbing the spices.

A blend of smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt adds depth. The paprika provides a smoky note while cumin and turmeric add warmth.

You’ll need these basic ingredients:

1 medium-sized head of fresh cauliflower, washed, dried, cored, and cut into florets (about 1½ pounds after cutting into florets)
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
½ teaspoon of ground turmeric
½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
2 teaspoons of fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

How To Make This Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe

Our step-by-step instructions will show you how to make this irresistible crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe. We’re confident this will become your go-to method to make this perfect side dish.

STEP ONE: Add the fresh-cut cauliflower florets to a large bowl or a gallon-size ziplock bag.

STEP TWO: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the cauliflower florets.

If using a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower and oil to coat the cauliflower completely.

If you are using the ziplock bag, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower.

Seal the bag and “massage” the cauliflower and olive oil to coat the cauliflower completely.

STEP THREE: Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a small bowl. Stir to combine.

Sprinkle the dry spice mixture over the cauliflower. Stir or shake to coat.

STEP FOUR: If your air fryer requires a preheat, then preheat your air fryer to 400°F for three to four minutes.

Otherwise, add the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to cook the cauliflower in batches. The cauliflower must be in an even layer to allow for uniform cooking.

Shake or turn the cauliflower in five-minute increments until it is golden brown. It’s okay to have a few darker brown speckles over the cauliflower. Serve immediately.

Why This is the Best Air Fryer Cauliflower

CRISPY DELIGHT: Air-fried cauliflower offers that perfect texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

VERSATILE DISH: Serve it as a snack, side, or even a taco filling. It’s versatile and adaptable.

QUICK AND EASY: With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a go-to recipe for busy days.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Print Recipe

Air fryer cauliflower features crispy edges and plenty of flavor from a blend of spices and extra virgin olive oil.

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Category: Appetizers

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium-sized head fresh cauliflower, washed, dried, cored, and cut into florets (about 1½ pounds after cutting into florets)
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley, optional garnish

Instructions

Add the fresh-cut cauliflower florets to a large mixing bowl (4-5 quarts) or a gallon-size ziplock bag.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the cauliflower florets. If using a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower and oil to coat the cauliflower completely. If you are using the ziplock bag, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower. Seal the bag and “massage” the cauliflower and olive oil to completely coat the cauliflower. I prefer to use the ziplock because it’s disposable and less clean up.
Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt to a small bowl (3-4 cups). Stir to combine. Sprinkle the dry spice mixture over the cauliflower. Stir, or shake to coat. If you are stirring the cauliflower, I recommend that you use a large spoon, or if you choose to use your hands, wear gloves.
If your air fryer requires a preheat, then preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-4 minutes. Otherwise, add the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to cook the cauliflower in batches. Shake or turn the cauliflower in 5-minute increments until it is golden brown. It’s ok to have a few darker brown speckles over the cauliflower. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure to check your air fryer manual for cooking time guidelines for your specific model, as times and temperatures vary depending on the type of air fryer you have.
Using the Ziploc bag to coat the cauliflower means less cleaning up!
If you are stirring the cauliflower, I recommend that you use a large spoon, or if you choose to use your hands, wear gloves.