This air fryer cauliflower recipe is about to become your new favorite veggie side dish! It’s crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and seasoned to perfection with a blend of savory spices. I love regular roasted cauliflower, but I have to admit—this air fryer cauliflower recipe is on another level. What makes it so delicious? Before I cook the cauliflower florets, I dredge them in a quick panko coating. It crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving the cauliflower an irresistible crunchy texture. I love this cauliflower on its own as a side dish or snack, but it stands up well to dipping sauces too. Break out the tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or vegan ranch… You really can’t go wrong!
Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe Ingredients
You only need a few basic ingredients to make this recipe:
Cauliflower, of course! Break it into small to medium-sized florets. If they’re too large, the florets will burn on the outside before they’re tender inside. Panko bread crumbs – They create the crispy coating. Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt add smoky, savory flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil – It supplies richness and helps the cauliflower crisp up in the air fryer. Egg – The binder! It helps the crispy coating stick to the florets.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Start by removing the coarse leaves from the base of the head. Next, use a sharp knife to cut the cauliflower in half vertically. From there, use your hands to break apart the florets.
Aim for small to medium pieces so that the cauliflower cooks evenly.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower
Once you’ve broken apart the florets, it’s easy to cook cauliflower in the air fryer! First, make the seasoning blend. Whisk together the panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt in a shallow dish. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg. Next, bread the florets. Dip each one in the egg, then roll it in the panko mixture to coat. Repeat until all the florets are breaded. Then, air fry! Drizzle the cauliflower florets with olive oil, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary. If the basket is too crowded, the cauliflower won’t get crispy. Air fry at 370°F for 9 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower, season to taste, and enjoy! Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower
This crispy air fryer cauliflower is a fun, easy side dish for veggie burgers or sandwiches. It’d be fantastic with any of these recipes:
Best Veggie Burger Easy Black Bean Burger Portobello Mushroom Burger Quinoa Burger BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
You could also enjoy the cauliflower on its own as a snack or appetizer. Whether you’re making it part of a larger meal or not, finish it with a squeeze of lemon juice and serve it with a tasty dipping sauce on the side. I especially love my air fryer cauliflower with tartar sauce, but it’s also yummy with vegan ranch dressing or chipotle sauce. Pick just one, or try a few!
More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
If you love this crispy cauliflower, try one of these easy air fryer recipes next:
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer French Fries Best Air Fryer Broccoli Air Fryer Onion Rings Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Air Fryer Eggplant Air Fryer Asparagus Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
