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Asian-style glazed cauliflower with sesame seeds and green onions in a white serving bowl
Julia Morel

Air Fryer Cauliflower

This crispy and flavorful air fryer cauliflower recipe is a healthy, guilt-free alternative to fried snacks. Golden on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s versatile enough to pair with any spice blend and dipping sauce for the perfect snack, side, or appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: healthy air fryer recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower
  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
Seasoning & Oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Remove outer leaves and thick stem from cauliflower. Cut into small, even-sized florets.
  2. Step 2: Place florets in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until coated. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again. For extra crunch, add panko or cornstarch at this stage.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
  4. Step 4: Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. Florets should be golden brown and fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a plate, add extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For a vegan option, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast. Try different spice blends like curry powder, za’atar, or chili lime for variation. Serve with sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, tahini, or sweet chili.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 49kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 311mg, Potassium: 198mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 123IU, Vitamin C: 32mg, Calcium: 15mg, Iron: 1mg