This air fryer cauliflower recipe is flavorful, vegan, and pairs well with many options!
It seems cauliflower is still having a moment after all these years. And, for good reason, right? Cauliflower is highly versatile, has great texture, and has many benefits.
Tips for making this recipe perfectly
- Give them space – To ensure you get the crispiest cauliflower be sure to leave a little room between each floret.
- Use oil – to achieve that delicious crispy texture you’ll want to add a little bit of oil. To make them oil-free see my tips below!
- Make florets – I recommend cutting all of the cauliflower florets around the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer!
Common Questions about Air Fryer Cauliflower
Every air fryer is different. I recommend following the instruction guide that comes with the air fryer. Some air fryers do and some do not require preheating. If you do not have to preheat setting, set the air fryer to the recommended temperature for about 2-3 minutes, before adding the food.
I suggest using a high-heat oil directly to the food itself before adding it to the air fryer. Non-stick prays like Pam can impact the final product. However, feel free to use an oil mister or non-aerosol sprays. If you follow my blog then you know how much I love avocado oil. Try this Chosen Foods avocado oil spray.
To ensure maximum crispiness you want to give your food some space. It’s best to not overcrowd the basket as this will cause the food to steam. Therefore, you may have to cook in batches.
Yes, you can air fry frozen cauliflower, and there is no need to thaw the cauliflower before cooking.
The exact timing may depend on your air fryer. As a general rule, roast the cauliflower in the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes. Or, until brown and crispy.
Remove the leaves from the bottom. Cut in half from the stem down to minimize the crumbling from the cauliflower. Cut in half again, and you should (4) big pieces by now. Separate into florets and cut down to small to medium-sized pieces. Rinse and drain the cauliflower, if needed.
How to make air fryer cauliflower oil-free?
Using oil helps the cauliflower to crisp up. However, you can make them oil-free if needed. Just omit the oil from the recipe.
What’s in this air fryer cauliflower recipe
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe!
- Cauliflower – choose any cauliflower of choice from white, green, orange, or purple. Cut them into small to medium-sized florets. This part is important because the outsides will burn before the middles cook through if they’re too large.
- Spices – Salt, oregano, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon pepper give this cauliflower a vibrant savory flavor.
- Avocado Oil – It’s a healthy high-heat cooking oil with lots of benefits including anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it adds crispiness to the food.
How to make air fryer cauliflower
- First, cut your cauliflower into small to medium-sized florets. Add them to a large bowl.
- Second, mix all the spices in a small container set it aside.
- Third, toss cauliflower florets with avocado oil and add spice blend. Toss well to get everything coated.
- Fourth, preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°(F).
- Fifth, place seasoned cauliflower into an air fryer basket or on a tray. Leave some space between the florets as this help them crisp up.
- Sixth, air fry at 400°(F) for 15 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket 2-3 times during cooking to achieve that brown & crispy look.
- Finally, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
How to store, re-heat, meal prep
- Store them in an air-tight container for up to a week.
- Re-heat – Add the cauliflower into the air fryer at 390°F for 3-4 minutes or until warm.
- Meal Prep – Pre-cut and store your cauliflower in the fridge for a few days until you are ready to air-fry them.
How to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Whisk all-purpose flour, non-dairy milk, hot sauce, spices, and oil to a medium bowl, until combined.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat using a spoon or tongs.
- Use Chosen Foods avocado oil spray to spray the bottom of your air fryer with a little oil or dab some oil on a paper towel and add the oiled paper towel to the bottom of the air fryer.
- Add the coated cauliflower florets. Spread them evenly in a singer layer.
- Air fry at 370F for 15 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower florets to a plate and brush each one with more hot sauce and serve with your sauce of choice! See the full recipe below!
Cauliflower Sauce Recommendations
Enjoy cauliflower on its own or as a snack or appetizer. Some of the sauces I like to top my cauliflower with are my vegan cashew caesar dressing, vegan cheese, garlic tahini dressing, vegan ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce. Leave a comment below and let me know which one you like best.
Cauliflower Serving Suggestions
This cauliflower recipe works great as a side dish as well as the following recipes below!
- Vegan Macaroni
- Eggplant & Cauliflower Sandwich
- Chickpea & Cauliflower Lettuce Wrap
- Chickpea Burger
- Lentil Burger
Shana’s Kitchen Essentials
Check out some of the kitchen ingredients & tools I used to make this recipe.
Leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram and let me know how you like this air fryer cauliflower recipe. I’d love to hear from you;-)
Air Fryer Cauliflower (Vegan)
Ingredients
Air Fryer Cauliflower
- 1 head of fresh cauliflower cut into medium florets
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1 tsp Lemon pepper sub for black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tbsp Avocado Oil sub for canola oil
Vegan Cashew Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked for (4) hrs or overnight
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp capers jarred in brine
- 2 tsp caper brine
- 1/8 tsp vegan worcestershire
Garlic Tahini Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds soaked for 2 hrs, drained & rinsed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1.5 tbsp tahini
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Add the cauliflower florets to a large bowl and toss florets with avocado oil and spice blend. Toss well to get everything coated.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°(F).
- Place seasoned cauliflower into an air fryer basket or on a tray. Leave some space between the florets as this help them crisp up.
- Air fry at 400°(F) for 15 minutes, stirring or shaking basket 2-3 times during cooking to achieve that brown & crispy look.
- Remove from air fryer and serve immediately.
Vegan Cashew Caesar Dressing
- Drain and rinse the cashews. In a blender, combine all the ingredients until smooth and creamy Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Garlic Tahini Dressing
- In a blender, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, sunflower seeds, garlic, tahini, salt, and 3 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth. Pour the dressing into a medium bowl and stir in the parsley. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
- To ensure you get the crispiest cauliflower to be sure to leave a little room between each floret.
- To achieve that delicious crispy texture you’ll want to add a little bit of oil. To make them oil-free see my tips below!
- I recommend cutting all of the cauliflower florets around the same size so they cook evenly in the air fryer!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 head fresh cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/2 cup cup all-purpose flour sub for rice flour, gluten-free flour, or chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp melted vegan butter sub for avocado oil
Instructions
- Whisk all-purpose flour, non-dairy milk, hot sauce, spices, and oil to a medium bowl, until combined.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat using a spoon or tongs.
- Use Chosen Foods avocado oil spray to spray the bottom of your air fryer with a little oil or dab some oil on a paper towel and add the oiled paper towel to the bottom of the air fryer.
- Add the coated cauliflower florets. Spread them evenly in a singer layer.
- Air fry at 370F for 15 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower florets to a plate and brush each one with more hot sauce. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For crispier cauliflower coat them with breadcrumbs.
- Leave space in between each floret while in the air fryer to get a crispy floret.
- Work in batches and do not overcrowd the air fryer.
Snap a photo, post it, and tag #ImWorthyRecipes and @IMWORTHYKITCHEN on Instagram
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my affiliate notice for details.
OMG!! My cauliflower turned out amazing. Thank you for the recipe, Shana!!
I’m so glad you loved the recipe! Thank you for the feedback.
Loving the easy recipe that i can use in my air fryer.
Thank you, Tina!!
These air fryer cauliflower recipes are so good. Thanks so much!
Hi Maya, I’m so glad you enjoyed my air fryer cauliflower recipe. You’re welcome!
I tried this at a restaurant back in April I never thought it could be so easy to make at home.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe!!
I love cauliflower and can’t wait to try this recipe in my aryfryer.
Let me know how you like this recipe!!
Gonna try this recipe for family dinner.
I hope you enjoy it!!