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.
(Originally published 6/24/21 and updated for content 3/15/24)

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

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!

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.

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.

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