Description
This Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe offers a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner option. Tender and crisp cauliflower florets are tossed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then air fried to perfection. Finished with a fresh parsley garnish, this dish is a healthy, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy roasted cauliflower with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately one head)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower, then cut it into evenly sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches each to ensure even cooking.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated for a crisp exterior.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the cauliflower. Toss well again to distribute the flavors uniformly on every floret.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking.
- Arrange Cauliflower: Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer timer for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once fully cooked and tender with crispy edges, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cauliflower for a fresh and vibrant finish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Cutting the cauliflower into similar-sized florets helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking prevents the cauliflower from sticking and ensures even crisping.
- You can adjust seasoning amounts based on your taste preferences or add other spices like cumin or chili powder for variation.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness, but other herbs like cilantro or basil can be substituted.
- This recipe is perfect as a side dish or can be served over rice or quinoa for a light meal.
