Why you’ll love this super-quick air fryer recipe

  • The cauliflower gets crispy on the outside and has a buttery and salty seasoning blend for maximum flavor!
  • Quick and easy is where it’s at. It only takes about 5 minutes of hands-on prep time and 10 minutes in the air fryer at 400° Fahrenheit.
  • Great as a fun appetizer or an easy weeknight side dish for any protein.

What readers are saying about it

I recently made this recipe and it was one of the best things I’ve had in a long time! It was so easy to make and it was gone in five seconds. We added the alioli and it was a great addition but this is also super yummy without any sauce. I have already been asked for the recipe and gladly passed it on. SO GOOD!!!!

Allison

RELATED ->> Check out all of our healthy air fryer recipes.

How to make air-fried cauliflower (step-by-step)

This is a super easy recipe that requires just a little bit of prep.

  • First, preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit. Then, follow the steps below:
Place the head of cauliflower upside down and remove the green leaves.
Once the leaves are removed, you have easy access to cut the florets away from the stalk.
With a sharp knife, cut the florets away from the stem.
You might come away with large chunks like this, and that’s fine.
Simply break the florets up into smaller pieces with your hands.
Or you can cut them into smaller pieces with a knife.
Add the florets to a bowl.
Combine the seasonings in a bowl.
Add the ghee (or other oil) and toss to coat.
Dump the seasoning mix all over the cauliflower. Toss to coat.
The florets should be covered in the seasoning.
Place in the preheated air fryer to cook for 7-10 minutes.

Some notes on the ingredients

  • Cauliflower – Chop it into medium-sized florets and try to get them about the same size. You could also use pre-cut florets from a bag.
  • Ghee – Provides some buttery flavor and helps the seasonings to stick. You can substitute regular butter (if you eat dairy) or other cooking oil like olive oilif desired.
  • Nutritional yeast – This flaky and delicious topping gives some “cheesy” taste to the cauliflower.
  • Arrowroot starch – Helps to coat the cauliflower and give the outside that little bit of crispy texture.
  • Seasonings – Chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt. An addicting combo when paired with the other buttery/cheesy flavors.
Close up angled image of air fryer cauliflower on a white plate with green sauce
A squeeze of lime and some fresh chimichurri sauce are perfect toppings for this delicious cauliflower.

Serving options for this healthy air fryer recipe

This air fryer cauliflower is a delicious Paleo, Whole30 and Keto option for a snack, appetizer, or paired with a protein for a complete meal.

We especially like serving it up with some of our Chipotle Aioli and a little squeeze of lime, but it would also be great with some Big Mac Sauce!

Here are some recipes that would go great with some air fried cauliflower on the side:

Bowl of air fryer cauliflower with parsley garnish and green sauce on the side
Perfectly cooked air fryer cauliflower in 15 minutes flat!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

Really – what are you waiting for? We have the Instant Brand Vortex Air Fryer and love it!

But if you don’t have one, you can easily make this recipe in the oven. Just place the cauliflower on a sheet pan and bake it at 400° Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.

It won’t get as crispy as it will in the air fryer but you’ll still get bold flavor from the seasoning blend.

Crispy air fryer cauliflower on a white plate with green sauce on top and on the side

More easy appetizers + snacks

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out these healthy snacks and appetizers next:

We hope you love this air fryer recipe as much as we do!

Don’t forget to leave a quick star rating and review below, we read every comment and truly appreciate your feedback. Also, be sure to browse the rest of our healthy air fryer recipes to find some other favorites too!

Crispy air fryer cauliflower on a white plate with chimichurri sauce ont top
4.75 from 39 ratings
Get the Recipe:

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (15-Minutes Flat!)

A little crispy on outside with a buttery and salty seasoning blend, this air fryer cauliflower recipe is quick, easy and delicious! Serve it as an appetizer, snack or side dish with your favorite meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tbsp ghee, melted, (or other cooking oil of choice)

Seasoning blend:

Optional toppings:

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer (if yours preheats) to 400° Fahrenheit and make the seasoning blend. Just combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
  • Chop cauliflower into florets and place in a bowl.
  • Add melted ghee. Toss to coat the cauliflower. Add the seasoning blend and toss again to coat.
  • Place cauliflower in air fryer in an even layer with a little space between pieces. Avoid overcrowding your basket and cook in batches as needed.
  • Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes. The cauliflower will be tender with crispy browned edges when it's done.
  • While cauliflower is cooking, prepare any optional toppings.
  • Once done, serve warm with any desired toppings, like our chipotle aioli. Enjoy.

Last Step:

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Notes

Nutrition details are per serving and an estimate provided for those following a Ketogenic or low-carb diet. The nutrition amounts do not include optional toppings for this recipe. See our full nutrition information disclosure here
Calories: 117kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Fiber: 3g
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (15-Minutes Flat!)Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (15-Minutes Flat!)