This air fryer cauliflower recipe proves that the only thing better than crispy, golden-brown air fried cauliflower is adding the right blend of seasonings—and OH, do I have a good one! Whip this up anytime you need an easy side dish.

Overhead view of air fryer cauliflower in bowl


If you have a soft spot for Roasted Cauliflower or Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, you’re going to love air fryer cauliflower too.

How We Made Crave-Worthy Cauliflower

Basically, it’s everything you love about the oven-roasted version, but quicker and crispier. And when you can get your crispy cauliflower on the table faster, that’s always a good thing! (I think one of the true markers of adulthood is when you start looking forward to things like Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts and cauliflower instead of being repelled by the very thought of them.)

While just oil and cauliflower alone will give you fabulous air fryer cauliflower, with that slightly nutty, ever-so-subtly sweet flavor, I just can’t settle for “good enough.” I wanted this to be the very BEST air fryer cauliflower, and that’s why I raided the pantry and come up with the tastiest seasoning blend for this recipe. It adds smokiness, a little bit of earthy flavor, lots of savory goodness, and some herbal notes too. It’s an all-purpose blend that means this cauliflower works as a side for a variety of dishes and cuisines, from Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore to all-American Meatloaf.

Overhead view of ingredients for air fryer cauliflower

Ingredients for Air Fryer Cauliflower

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

  • Cauliflower – If you want to save on prep time, you can buy pre-cut cauliflower florets from the produce section. Just don’t use frozen, which will be soggy!
  • Seasonings – I used Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  • Olive Oil – Oil is what helps the cauliflower get that nice golden color and crispy on the ends and edges.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.

  1. Season the cauliflower. Add the cut cauliflower florets to a bowl with the blend of seasonings and oil. Toss to combine.
  2. Preheat. While you work on the cauliflower, start preheating the air fryer to 400ºF.
  3. Cook. Transfer the cauliflower to the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes, then stir or shake and cook 10 minutes more, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Crispy cauliflower in air fryer basket

Tips for Cooking Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Here are some tips for cauliflower perfection!

  • Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. If you don’t have room to cook all the cauliflower at once, you can keep the first batch warm in a 200ºF oven while you cook the second batch. Crowding the basket will result in steamed cauliflower, which isn’t nearly as delicious!
  • Cut the cauliflower into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking, so all the florets come out tender and crispy at the same time. (Although truth be told, some over-done bits mixed in there can be delicious, but your mileage may vary!)
  • Coat the cauliflower evenly with oil. The oil facilitates browning and crisping, so make sure each floret gets a good coating. Get all those nooks and crannies too!
Bowl of crispy air fryer cauliflower

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some ideas for switching up this air fryer cauliflower recipe.

  • Make it cheesy. Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning blend. 
  • Try other seasoning combos. Cajun Seasoning and Lemon Pepper Seasoning would be especially delicious!
  • Add some heat. Sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Dress it up. Air fryer cauliflower is delicious with toasted pine nuts, pomegranate arils, fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and even sliced kalamata olives.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover air fryer cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, the best method is to use the air fryer to restore its crispiness. The oven also works, or you can add the leftovers cold to salads. If you use the microwave, the cauliflower is likely to end up soggy.

Crispy air fried cauliflower in bowl

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Overhead view of air fryer cauliflower in bowl

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cauliflower

The perfect blend of seasonings makes this easy air fryer cauliflower recipe my absolute favorite. Smoky, savory, and impossible to resist!
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Ingredients

  • 1 head of fresh cauliflower
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions 

  • Trim cauliflower and cut into 2-3 inch chunks. Add to a large bowl.
  • Whisk together the seasonings though the black pepper, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cauliflower, olive oil and seasoning mix until well combined.
  • Preheat air fryer for 4 minutes at 400°(F).
  • Place seasoned cauliflower into air fryer basket or on tray in a single layer and air fry at 400°(F) for 8 minutes, stir or shake the basket then cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400˚F or until fork tender.
  • Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Calories: 74kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 190mg, Potassium: 457mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 136IU, Vitamin C: 69mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg