Air-fried cauliflower gets golden and crisp around the edges while remaining tender inside. The secret to achieving maximum crunch is tossing the florets with a touch of cornstarch before air frying.
Prep & Cooking Overview
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 12–15 mins
- Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional finish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and dry the cauliflower Wash the cauliflower florets thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the cauliflower instead of frying it.
- Season and coat In a large bowl, add the dry florets. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Air fry in a single layer Transfer the florets to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in two batches if your basket is small).
- Cook and shake Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes. Pause and shake the basket halfway through (around 6–7 minutes) to ensure uniform browning.
- Garnish and serve Remove when the edges are deep golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice, Parmesan, or parsley if desired, and serve immediately with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or tahini dip