Speed up the roasting process with the handy air fryer to craft a dish that’s tender, savory, and a little spicy.
Prior to getting an air fryer, my mom didn’t have the patience—or the time—to roast cauliflower in the oven. But now that it can happen in around 25 minutes, we’ve been making this fluffy veggie at least once a week. With the quick-cooking air fryer, cauliflower comes out bedazzled with seasonings, lightly charred, and tender. Each bite is better than the last, and so this is a great way to get your family to eat more veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Personally, I like to pair air-fryer roasted cauliflower with main dishes like steak or burgers, but you could also keep it 100% vegetarian by serving it on top of quinoa bowls or salads. Although cauliflower is a quirky little vegetable, it’s also incredibly dynamic. And the benefit of using an air fryer is that it comes out blissfully crispy, rather than just soft.
While my mom and I were in the kitchen the other night, she reminded me that the key to cooking cauliflower is to season it thoroughly, so that each floret soaks up a ton of yummy flavor. That’s exactly what this recipe was designed for—to help you take bland cauliflower and transform it into a delicious, smoky side dish dusted with fresh herbs.
Why use lemon wedges?
While this ingredient is totally optional, I highly recommend trying it because a sprinkle of lemon juice can transform the whole dish. It takes it from simply savory and spicy to refreshingly tangy. Plus, citrus complements spice, and brings all the seasonings together in harmony. That being said, if you’re not a fan of lemon, you can try sprinkling a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar over the finished florets for a similar effect. I did this once when I realized that I didn’t have lemons.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your air-fryer roasted cauliflower cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, but don’t freeze it because that will likely ruin its firm texture. We don’t want our cauliflower mushy, that’s for sure!
Similar recipes to try
You might already be aware of this, but cauliflower can be cooked in a lot of different ways. Each method has its special flavor, texture, and occasion. If you want to spruce up your brunch, craft a loaf of Keto Cauliflower Bread. But if you need a low-carb, hearty lunch, try Keto Stir-Fried Cauliflower Rice or Keto Mexican-Style Rice. Ready for a down-to-earth, yet decadent dinner? Check out Cheesy Ranch Broccoli And Cauliflower Casserole, which combines the best of both veggies in one filling main dish.
Air-Fryer Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets from one medium head
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well coated.
- Place the seasoned florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve warm. For an extra kick of flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top if desired. Garnish with parsley.
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