Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower In 15-Minutes Flat - Real Simple Good

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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
Crispy air fryer cauliflower on a white plate with chimichurri sauce on top this recipe

RELATED ->> Check out all of our easy 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 – Whether you chop it up or use pre-cut florets from a bag, just make sure they are all similar sized pieces. Otherwise, we learned while testing that they won’t cook evenly and some will get mushy or be left too crunchy.
  • Ghee – Provides some buttery flavor and helps the seasonings to stick. You can substitute regular butter or another cooking oil if 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.
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 easy air fryer recipe

This air fryer cauliflower is a delicious option for a snack, appetizer, or paired with a protein (like our quick and easy carne asada).

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!

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?!

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.

Based on our testing, 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

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 easy air fryer recipes to find some other favorites too!

Crispy air fryer cauliflower on a white plate with chimichurri sauce ont top 4.73 from 37 ratings Get the Recipe:

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (15-Minutes Flat!)

Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Total: 15 minutes Servings: 4 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. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients

½1x2x3x
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tbsp ghee, melted, (or other cooking oil of choice)

Seasoning blend:

  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Optional toppings:

  • Chipotle aioli
  • Fresh chimichurri sauce
  • Fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

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 Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, SnackAuthor: Erica WinnCuisine: American Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!Pin2.7KShare2.7K Shares

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