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Cauliflower has certainly become a star vegetable lately, to no surprise. It’s quite the versatile veggie when it comes to cooking and serving it up. This Crispy Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is sure to make you fall in love with cauliflower if you’re not already in a foodationship (food + relationship) with it lol! A

healthier preparation with a crispy browned cauliflower as a result is yummier than you can imagine!


golden crunchy air-fried cauliflower served in an aluminum sheet pan

This Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe is the mother of all simple and fast cauliflower recipes! Made with little effort, yet good for the body and soul!

It’s a great dish to be served as a main dish for a light healthy lunch and works perfect as an appetizer or side dish. In Lebanon, we serve fried cauliflower as a part of a group meal.

This includes spicy cilantro potato, eggplant dip, fried zucchini, hummus and tahini, and a salad like fattoush or tabouli!


golden brown crispy air-fried cauliflower served in an aluminum sheet pan
Admire the golden brown color on this air-fried cauliflower!

Incorporating Cauliflower into Your Diet

Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that you can find a million uses for. I never worry about finding a way to use cauliflower if I have some laying around in my fridge. It’s one of those veggies that you can create whole dishes around. That’s why I feel it’s so easy to incorporate it into your diet. That along with the fact that it marries well with so many other veggies, spices, and cuts of meat, seafood, and chicken!

You can bake it, deep fry it, air fry it, roast, or grill it! You can also season it any way you’d like. Make a base with some oil, curry spice, and garlic and toss the cauliflower in it before cooking. Or cook it, and fry up some cilantro and garlic and mix them up with lemon juice and drizzle over the cooked cauliflower! The options are endless!


a batch of crispy crunchy air-fryer cauliflower
Cook it enough in the air fryer to get that final crispy crunchy texture!

The Versatility of Cauliflower

Let’s start with how beneficial this versatile veggie is:

  • contains most of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need
  • high in fiber which aids digestion and prevents certain chronic diseases
  • a great source of antioxidants
  • high in choline
  • low-carb alternative to some grains or legumes

Now, the good stuff. All the different dishes that can be adjusted to a healthier version by substituting something with cauliflower. Great way to save carbs and calories on many of your favorite dishes!


Tips:

  • When you first buy cauliflower, cut up into florets, soak in water, a pinch of salt, and half a cup of vinegar, dry them well and store in an airtight container topped with paper towels to soak up moisture. This will keep them from browning or getting spots on top.
  • The temperature will all depend on the type of air fryer you are using. I have to air fryers, The Gourmia and one by Emeril Lagasse where the Gourmia I can send it to 400°F for 30- 35 minutes and with Emeril Lagasse at 355°F for 35-40 min on the lower rack. So it will all depend on the power of your air fryer!
  • If you’re worried about the cauliflower staying too crunchy but browning quickly, you can pre-boil them before putting into the air fryer.
  • To give the cauliflower an added kick in flavor, you can season them with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder after spraying them with cooking oil and before putting them into the air fryer.
  • For extra flavor, you can lightly sauté some crushed garlic and cilantro and put them over the finished roasted cauliflower.
  • Be sure to place the florets evenly and sparingly in the air fryer to ensure they cook through. Also, toss the cauliflower in the basket half-way through.
  • Instead of the simple lemon juice, you can create a tahini dip or a yogurt-based dip with seasonings of your choice.

a big aluminum sheet pan consist of crispy crunchy cauliflower served warm
Serve it up alone or with some salad or your favorite sauces and dips!

Why Make Crispy Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower?

  • Easy to prepare
  • Great for rushed afternoons or evenings
  • Healthy and light
  • Can be served up with so many other dishes
  • You can add your favorite seasonings because it marries well with so many flavors
  • Creative way to cook up and serve cauliflower

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the cauliflower be browned and made crispy in the oven?

Yes! separate the cauliflower florets well on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400F for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown.

Does the recipe work with frozen cauliflower?

Yes you can, but it would be best to increase cooking time and temperature.

Do I have to use a particular kind of oil for cooking?

You can use any oil of your choice from canola to olive to even avocado oil.

What can I serve this dish with?

You can serve with Buffalo sauce, ranch, hummus, roasted eggplant dip, side salads, baked salmon, fried chicken, and so many other possibilities!


Ingredients

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut up into large florets
  • cooking oil
  • lemon
  • salt

How to Make Crispy Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower

  1. Cut off the cauliflower from its roots into medium/large florets.
  2. Place on the sprayed air fryer bin or tray, then generously spray the cauliflower with cooking oil spray.
  3. Place in the air fryer at 400.
  4. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Other Great Recipes to Try


5 from 3 votes

Crispy Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower

By: Lama
A healthier way to fry cauliflower and get the same crunch on it as deep-frying!
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut up into large florets
  • cooking oil
  • lemon
  • salt

Instructions 

  • Cut off the cauliflower from its roots into medium/large florets.
  • Place on the sprayed air fryer bin or tray, then generously spray the cauliflower with cooking oil spray.
  • Half way through, generously spray the cauliflower again with cooking oil spray
  • Place in the air fryer at 400°F (refer to notes below)
  • Cook for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Video

Notes

The temperature will all depend on the type of air fryer you are using. I have two air fryers, The Gourmia and one by Emeril Lagasse where the Gourmia I can send it to 400°F for 30- 35 minutes and with Emeril Lagasse at 355°F for 35-40 min on the lower rack. So it will all depend on the power of your air fryer!

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Lama

I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare!

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Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this Crispy Crunchy Air Fryer Cauliflower today. It turned out amazing and my husband loved it! Thanks for sharing ❤❤

  2. 5 stars
    I always hated the fact that when i fry cauliflower they absorb oil! Tried frying them in the airfyer and they came out perfect: crunchy and not oily!thanks

  3. 5 stars
    Finally crunchy but not oily cauliflower. I never thought they would work out in the airfryer but they were incredibly crunchy and delicious