Air fryer parmesan cauliflower gets golden and crispy in 15 minutes. The cauliflower side dish even vegetable skeptics come back for.

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Two Bite Tested

This air fryer cauliflower side dish is popular because:

• It is has a short cook time.
• It cooks up with lots of crispy edges and browned bits.
• It is a lower carb side dish option.

This recipe has been tested and retested in my own kitchen to make sure it works consistently!

This recipe includes:

• Detailed ingredient notes
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Serving and storage suggestions
• A recipe card with nutritional information

A Note From My Kitchen

If you are here checking out this recipe and you're on the fence about trying it, I implore you to just do it! You 100% should make cauliflower in your air fryer with just a handful of ingredients. It is so so good.

Naturally, I shouldn't just tell you to try it without backing it up, so this is why you should try it. First, your air fryer will cut down your cooking time compared to cooking it in the oven. Love that. Second, you know those crispy bits you get when you roast cauliflower? There's lots of that going on when you air fry cauliflower in your air fryer. Double love that. Third? The third reason why you should try this recipe is that it is low carb and guilt-free.

Healthy, easy side dish for the win! I'm already brainstorming more air fryer cauliflower recipes. I think I'll do air fryer buffalo cauliflower next! So, there it is. You must try this easy air fried cauliflower recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Happy cooking,

Ingredient Notes

• Cauliflower: Store your uncooked cauliflower in your refrigerator for up to 1 week until you're ready to cook. If your cauliflower has developed brown spots, cut them off before cooking. Use about 1/2 of a large head of cauliflower and cut it into small, evenly sized florets.
• Olive oil: Use any variety olive oil, or swap in avocado oil.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Use finely grated parmesan for the most even coating, not shredded.
• Garlic powder: Use garlic powder, not garlic salt, so it's not too salty.
• Kosher salt: I use kosher salt here.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is my preference!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cauliflower can I cook in my air fryer at once?

The amount of cauliflower you can cook at once in your air fryer depends on the size of your air fryer. The cauliflower should be in a single layer when air frying. A half a head comfortably fits in my 4-quart air fryer.

What should I do if my air fryer basket is small?

Keep the cauliflower in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.

• Use a single layer of florets in the basket.
• Cook in batches if the basket is crowded.
• Gently shake the basket once halfway through cooking.
• Add a couple of minutes if needed until the edges are golden and crisp.

Two Bite Take

"Those golden brown crispy bits are my absolute favorite!"

- Becky Tarala

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower

Crispy air fryer cauliflower makes a great healthy side dish served with lots of different proteins to make a complete meal. Try serving it with air fryer salmon, air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, a sirloin tip roast, or with pork chops. A lemon wedge to add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving is a nice touch!

Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Variations

These variations keep the same method but change the flavor direction by adjusting the seasonings or cheese.

• Use grated Pecorino Romano in place of the parmesan cheese.
• Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
• Season cauliflower with smoked paprika for a smoky variation.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy variation.
• For air fryer buffalo cauliflower, toss the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce before serving.

Got Leftovers?

What To Do With Leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower

Try using leftover crispy cauliflower in one of the delish ways:

• Chop it and add it to a grain bowl with your favorite toppings.
• Toss it into salads for a roasted veggie boost.
• Fold it into scrambled eggs or an omelet.
• Stir it into pasta right before serving.
• Blend it into a creamy cauliflower soup.

How To Store Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower

Store your cooked air fryer cauliflower leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 11 minutes
Total time: 16 minutes

Air fryer parmesan cauliflower gets golden and crispy in 15 minutes. The cauliflower side dish even vegetable skeptics come back for.

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INGREDIENTS

1 pound cauliflower (about 1/2 of a large head of cauliflower)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the cauliflower into small cauliflower florets. Toss all of the ingredients in a large bowl or put all of the ingredients into a large ziploc bag and shake until all of the cauliflower is evenly coated.
2. Air fry the cauliflower in the air fryer basket at 400 degrees F for 11-13 minutes, gently shaking the basket once halfway through the cooking time, until the edges are golden and crisp and the cauliflower is softened. Serve with a dipping sauce, if desired.

NOTES

Cooking time may vary between different models of air fryer. This recipe was made in the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer.

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.

Behind the Bites

Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites.
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.

These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!

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