Love cauliflower but crave exciting flavors and textures? Look no further than your air fryer! This magical appliance transforms florets, steaks, and riced cauliflower into healthy and delicious dishes.
From classic roasted to globally inspired, this collection offers a variety of air fryer cauliflower recipes to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to explore crispy bites, flavorful sides, and even vegetarian mains – all made with the air fryer’s magic touch!
Classic Air-Fried Cauliflower
This is a basic recipe that’s perfect for beginners or those who like a simple side dish. All you need is cauliflower florets, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Here’s a guide:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your desired seasonings.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
This recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on classic buffalo wings. The air fryer makes them nice and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with melted butter or olive oil, hot sauce, melted butter or olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- For extra buffalo flavor, toss the cooked cauliflower florets in a bowl with additional hot sauce and melted butter or olive oil before serving.
Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
These bite-sized pieces of cauliflower are perfect for a snack or appetizer. They’re cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-addictive.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- After the cauliflower has cooked for 10-12 minutes, remove the basket from the air fryer and toss the florets with the Parmesan cheese and panko mixture.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the panko is golden brown.
Air-Fried Cauliflower Steaks
These thick-cut cauliflower steaks are a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option. They can be served on their own or with your favorite toppings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the cauliflower head into thick slices, about 1 inch thick.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the cauliflower steaks with the marinade.
- Place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until tender and crispy.
Air-Fried Cauliflower Tacos
These tacos are a fun and healthy way to use up leftover cauliflower. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a nice crispy texture, perfect for holding all your favorite taco toppings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Spread the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
- Serve the cauliflower in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, and vegan cheese.
Air Fryer Spicy Thai Cauliflower Rice
Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-like. Toss with coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce (or substitute), lime juice, and vegetables like peas and carrots. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Air Fryer Cajun Cauliflower Florets
Combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, for a spicy kick.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
Grate cauliflower florets, mix with grated cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Form into small tots and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Cauliflower
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a sweet and spicy glaze.
Air Fryer Lemon Herb Cauliflower Steaks
Marinate thick-cut cauliflower steaks in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes per side, for a flavorful and refreshing option.
Air Fryer Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and Everything Bagel Seasoning. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a savory and flavorful snack.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Popcorn
Pulse cauliflower florets into popcorn-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a healthier alternative to popcorn.
Air Fryer Sesame Ginger Cauliflower
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for an Asian-inspired side dish.
Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Steaks
Marinate thick-cut cauliflower steaks in your favorite BBQ sauce. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes per side, brushing with additional sauce during cooking, for a smoky and sweet flavor.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Arancini
Prepare a risotto filling with cauliflower rice, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Form into balls and coat in breadcrumbs. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy, for a vegetarian twist on arancini.
Air Fryer Curried Cauliflower Fritters
Grate cauliflower florets and combine with chickpea flour, curry powder, garam masala, chopped vegetables like onion and peppers, and fresh herbs like cilantro. Form into fritters and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, for a crispy and flavorful appetizer.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Bowls
Toss cauliflower florets with soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and ginger. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a teriyaki-glazed base for a protein bowl. Serve with rice, tofu, or your favorite protein and vegetables.
Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns
Grate cauliflower florets and combine with shredded cheese, chopped onion, and seasonings. Form into patties and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, for a cheesy and satisfying breakfast or side dish.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Nachos
Cut cauliflower florets into florets or thin slices. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, until tender-crisp. Use these as a healthy base for your favorite nacho toppings like cheese, salsa, beans, and guacamole.
Air Fryer Korean BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Toss cauliflower florets with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a spicy and flavorful Korean-inspired dish.
Air Fryer Garlic Dill Cauliflower Steaks
Marinate thick-cut cauliflower steaks in olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, and salt. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes per side, for a light and refreshing option.
Air Fryer Maple Mustard Cauliflower Florets
Combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a sweet and tangy twist.
Air Fryer Cauliflower “Pizza Crust”
Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-like. Combine with grated cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Press into a pizza crust shape and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes per side, pre-bake before adding your favorite pizza toppings and air fry again until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Air Fryer Spiced Cauliflower Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
Pulse cauliflower florets into popcorn-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking occasionally, for a flavorful and protein-rich snack.
