• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthy Vegan Recipes

Healthy Vegan Recipes

Green Heart Love

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact

Menubar Right Area

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Facebook
Looking for something?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Appetizers

    Air-Fried Cauliflower

    Published: Feb 25, 2025 ยท by Puja Verma

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This air-fried cauliflower makes the perfect crispy, flavorful snack or side! With just 7 simple ingredients and under 15 minutes, youโ€™ll have golden, seasoned bites that are irresistibly crunchy. Itโ€™s quick, budget-friendly, and pairs well with just about anything!

    Air-fried cauliflower florets in a serving bowl with a side of dip.

    If you like simple, low-effort side dishes, this air fryer cauliflower recipe is for you! And if you love quick and crispy cauliflower dishes, try my gobi 65 for another flavor-packed dinner.

    Why I Love This Recipe

    This air-fried cauliflower is one of my go-to sides because itโ€™s just so incredibly easy to makeโ€”toss everything together, pop it in the air fryer, and in minutes, you have crispy, flavorful cauliflower bites!

    The mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast gives it that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and a little cheesy (without the cheese). Plus, itโ€™s made with simple pantry staples, so no last-minute grocery runs are required!

    And since itโ€™s naturally vegan and gluten-free, itโ€™s great for nearly any dietary preference. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold flavorsโ€”youโ€™re going to love it!

    Ingredient Notes

    Air-fried cauliflower ingredients on a wooden cutting board.

    Hereโ€™s a breakdown of everything youโ€™ll need for this air-fried cauliflower recipe.

    • Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets turn perfectly crispy in the air fryer while remaining tender on the inside. Choose a fresh, firm head with few dark spots for the best results.
    • Avocado Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere while promoting even crisping of the florets.
    • Nutritional Yeast: Adds a savory, umami-rich, slightly cheesy flavor. Check for nutritional yeast at your local bulk food store or health food market.
    • Garlic Powder: Brings a deep, toasty garlic flavor to the seasoning.
    • Smoked Paprika: Gives the cauliflower a subtle smokiness and a vibrant color.
    • Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. I recommend sea salt here.
    • Chives: For a fresh, mild onion garnish that adds a pop of color and extra flavor.

    Substitutions

    • Cauliflower: If you canโ€™t find cauliflower, broccoli will yield a similar texture with a slightly more earthy taste (note the cooking time may vary slightly).
    • Avocado Oil: Olive oil will also work well, but it has a slightly lower smoke point, so keep an eye on browning.
    • Nutritional Yeast: Grated vegan parmesan offers works as a 1:1 substitute.
    • Smoked Paprika: If you donโ€™t have smoked paprika, try regular paprika or chili powder.
    • Garlic Powder: You can use onion powder for a similar but slightly sweeter taste.
    • Chives: Green onions or parsley will both work as well. Green onions add a mild sharpness, while parsley gives a fresh, herby touch.

    How to Make

    This air-fried cauliflower is super quick and easy to prepare! Just follow my tips and tricks for the most consistently delicious results.

    Preparation

    Cauliflower florets in a strainer bowl.

    Heat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare the cauliflower. Wash the cauliflower to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry completely, then cut it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.

    Cooking

    Seasoned cauliflower florets in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 1
    Toss the cauliflower with oil and seasonings in a large bowl, ensuring each floret is well-coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick while creating a crispy exterior.

    Air-fried cauliflower florets in a air fryer basket.

    Step 2
    Place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping (if youโ€™re making a large amount of air-fried cauliflower, cook it in multiple batches). Air fry the florets for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes to promote even cooking. After 12 minutes, check for donenessโ€”your cauliflower should be golden brown with crispy edges and tender on the inside. If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.

    Air-fried cauliflower dipping into a creamy white sauce.

    Step 3
    Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, garnish with chopped chives, and serve immediately while hot and crispy!

    Expert Tip

    Getting ultra-crispy air fryer cauliflower comes down to managing moisture and oil balance. After washing the cauliflower, take the extra step to pat it completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towelsโ€”any lingering water creates steam in the air fryer, which softens the florets instead of crisping them up.

    And while a little oil helps with browning and crispiness, too much can make them soggy rather than crunchy. Stick to a light drizzle, and use your hands or a spatula to evenly coat each piece without drenching them.

    Serving Suggestions

    This air-fried cauliflower pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like vegan ranch, garlic aioli, or roasted sesame dressing for an extra layer of flavor. Serve it alongside a vegan wedge salad, a refreshing orange and beet salad, or a butter bean salad to make it a full meal.

    Cooking Tips

    • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 3-5 minutes to help the cauliflower cook evenly and get that ultra-crispy texture.
    • Adjust the Cooking Time: If your florets are on the larger side, add a couple of extra minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
    • Use High Heat for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier finish, increase the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 2-3 minutes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why isnโ€™t my cauliflower crispy?

    Make sure youโ€™re not overcrowding the air fryer, and always pat the florets dry before tossing them in oil. Using too much oil can also cause steaming instead of crisping, so go easy on it.

    How do I prevent the cauliflower from burning?

    Shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking and check on them a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.

    How can I make this recipe spicier?

    You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Or, toss the cooked cauliflower in hot sauce for an extra kick.

    Storing & Reheating

    Air fryer cauliflower is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed. Let the cauliflower florets cool completely before transferring them to a container.

    • Fridge: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.
    • Freezer: While not ideal, you can store the florets in an airtight bag for up to 1 month.
    • Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat the florets in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the cauliflower soft. If using an oven, reheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    • Air fryer gnoochi on a serving plate with marinara and pesto sauce.
      Air Fryer Gnocchi
    • Air fryer kale chips in a serving bowl.
      Air Fryer Kale Chips
    • Open cut side of a spring roll held with chop sticks.
      Air Fryer Spring Rolls
    • Jalapeรฑos poppers with bread crumbs on a platter.
      Air Fryer Jalapeรฑo Poppers
    Air-fried cauliflower in a serving bowl with a side of creamy white dipping sauce.

    Air-Fried Cauliflower

    5 from 1 vote
    Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
    Total Time: 15 minutes mins
    Serving Size: 2
    Author Puja Verma
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    DESCRIPTION

    These crispy air-fried cauliflower bites are so easy to make with just 7 vegan and gluten-free ingredients. The mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast gives it that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and a little cheesy flavor. It's crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside with a burst of bold flavors. Serve it as a snack, side, or an appetizer with a side of your favorite dip.

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 whole cauliflower head
    • 1-2 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon chives (chopped) to garnish

    METHOD
     

    • Preheat your air fryer to 390โ„‰ degrees. Meanwhile wash and cut the cauliflower into florets. Then make sure to pat dry the florets using a kitchen towel to avoid steaming when air frying.
    • Drizzle the cauliflower florets with oil, and add nutritional yeast, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss together till all the florets are evenly coated.
      Note: Try to go easy on the oil to avoid steaming when air frying.
    • Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390โ„‰ for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning!
      Note: Depending on the size of your air fryer basket - You might need to air fryer in batches to avoid over-crowding.
    • Once golden and crispy, remove the air fryer cauliflower from the basket. Garnish with chopped chives, and serve them immediately with or without your choice of dip.

    NOTES

    • Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for at least 3-5 minutes to help the cauliflower cook evenly and get that ultra-crispy texture.
    • Adjust the Cooking Time: If your florets are on the larger side, add a couple of extra minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
    • Use High Heat for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier finish, increase the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 2-3 minutes.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: All, American
    Keyword: air fried cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Lemon Simple Syrup
    Marry Me Chickpeas (With Vegan Tuscan Sauce) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Puja Verma says

      February 25, 2025 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      An absolute favorite snack! My kids love it.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Puja from Green Heart Love

    Iโ€™m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

    More about me โ†’

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemongrass Paste in a bowl with fresh ingredients.
      Lemongrass Paste
    • A chilled plum soda served over ice with a side of salty plums.
      Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda
    • Pickled beets in an open mason jar and a small serving bowl, next to a whole beet.
      Quick Pickled Beets without Sugar
    • Sweet onion sauce in a glass bottle with a lid.
      Sweet Onion Sauce
    • Maple Dijon dressing in open lid mason jar with wooden spoon in it.
      Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Chili garlic sauce on a small serving platter with a tiny dipping spoon in it.
      Chili Garlic Sauce
    Puja from Green Heart Love

    Iโ€™m Puja! I love creating, developing & exploring vegan recipes made entirely from whole food & plant based ingredients.

    More about me โ†’

    Popular Recipes

    • Lemongrass Paste in a bowl with fresh ingredients.
      Lemongrass Paste
    • A chilled plum soda served over ice with a side of salty plums.
      Classic Vietnamese Plum Soda
    • Pickled beets in an open mason jar and a small serving bowl, next to a whole beet.
      Quick Pickled Beets without Sugar
    • Sweet onion sauce in a glass bottle with a lid.
      Sweet Onion Sauce
    • Maple Dijon dressing in open lid mason jar with wooden spoon in it.
      Homemade Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Chili garlic sauce on a small serving platter with a tiny dipping spoon in it.
      Chili Garlic Sauce

    Never Miss a Recipe

    Footer

    • About
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    Oil-Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing Oil-free creamy Oil-Free Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Oil-free creamy balsamic dressing made with just 5 simple ingredients. It's rich, tangy, and packed with flavor. Serve it as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables or fresh bread, or even a marinade.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/oil-free-creamy-balsamic-dressing/

#vegansaladdressing #vegansalad #vegandressing #balsamicdressing #VeganRecipes
    Oil-Free Maple Dijon Dressing Sweet and spicy, cr Oil-Free Maple Dijon Dressing

Sweet and spicy, creamy maple dijon dressing without oil! Made with clean and simple pantry staples. Drizzle this tangy sweetness on your salads, sandwiches, wraps, tofu, and more.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/oil-free-maple-dijon-dressing/

#vegansaladdressing #vegandressing #vegansalad #vegancondiments #VeganRecipes
    Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad This strawberry goat Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

This strawberry goat cheese salad is the perfect summer delight. A mix of fresh spring mix, sweet chewy dates, crunchy walnuts, juicy strawberries, and creamy vegan goat cheese. Tossed with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/strawberry-goat-cheese-salad/

#vegansalad #vegansaladdressing #strawberrygoatcheesesalad #veganrecipe
    Vegan Tuna Easy peasy vegan tuna salad made with Vegan Tuna

Easy peasy vegan tuna salad made with mashed chickpeas and creamy homemade mayo. Serve it as a side salad, dip with crackers, layered in a sandwich or wrap. A simple and satisfying recipe that everyone will love.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-tuna/

#vegantuna #veganspread #veganrecipes
    Vegan Kewpie Mayo Sweet and tangy, Japanese-style Vegan Kewpie Mayo

Sweet and tangy, Japanese-style, kewpie mayonnaise made with 100% plant-based ingredients. It's popular for its umami flavors, and drizzled over several Japanese dishes from okonomiyaki, sushi to basic rice bowls. It's creamy, thick and rich, yet super light and fluffy.

https://greenheartlove.com/vegan-kewpie-mayo/

#vegankewpiemayo #veganmayo #veganmayonnaise #vegankewpie #vegancondiments
    Easy Lemon Orzo Salad Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with Easy Lemon Orzo Salad

Easy Lemon Orzo Salad with lemon vinaigrette and vegan feta is fresh, light, and sure to be the star of summer potlucks or side dish at weekend lunches with the family.

Get the recipe ๐Ÿ”—: https://greenheartlove.com/mediterranean-orzo-pasta-salad/

#lemonorzosalad #vegansalad #veganrecipe #vegansummersalad #summersalad
    Follow on Instagram
    Copyright ยฉ 2025 Healthy Vegan Recipes | Back to Top

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.