Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this healthy veggie. The cauliflower florets get crispy and golden in the air fryer, coated with a mix of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little seasoning. It’s a perfect combo of crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with that cheesy flavor making it extra special.
I love making this dish because it’s fast and easy, and my whole family can’t get enough of it. I usually toss the cauliflower with olive oil and a good handful of grated Parmesan before popping it into the air fryer. You get that wonderful roasted flavor without turning on the oven or heating up the whole kitchen, which is a win in my book!
My favorite way to serve this is as a side for dinner or as a snack with a little bit of ranch or your favorite dip. It’s addictive and sometimes disappears before the main meal even starts. If you want to switch things up, I sometimes sprinkle a little chili powder or lemon zest on top to add an extra pop of flavor. This recipe always feels like a little treat that’s still good for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm heads work best for crispiness. If you can’t get fresh, frozen cauliflower can work too—just thaw and drain well first.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps get a nice golden color. You can swap it with avocado oil or any neutral oil you have on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds great flavor and helps crisp the cauliflower. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Garlic Powder: It’s perfect for even flavoring. Fresh garlic can work but add it early and finely minced to avoid burning.
How Do You Get Crispy Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Crispiness is key here, and a few tips make a big difference:
- Cut florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Toss cauliflower with oil first to help the cheese stick and promote browning.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; air needs to flow around each piece.
- Shake or stir the basket halfway through cooking to brown the florets evenly.
- Don’t skip preheating the air fryer—it helps roast the cauliflower right from the start.
With these steps, you’ll get beautifully roasted, crunchy cauliflower every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – It cooks quickly and gets everything crispy without oil splatters.
- Mixing bowl – You’ll toss the cauliflower and seasonings here for even coating.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Ensures your ingredients are just right for flavor.
- Spatula or tongs – To gently toss the cauliflower without breaking the florets.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb flavor: Add dried thyme, oregano, or basil to change up the herbal taste.
- Cheese options: Use shredded pecorino or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for different cheesy flavors.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before air frying.
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 5 minutes to prep and preheat, then 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’ll have this tasty dish ready in under 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This helps get the cauliflower nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil until they are all evenly coated. This will help the cheese and seasonings stick better.
3. Add the Seasonings:
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the cauliflower. Give it another good toss so every piece is covered with the yummy mix.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Place the cauliflower in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them to make sure they cook evenly. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, gently shake the basket to turn the florets for even browning.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the edges, it’s ready! Transfer it to a plate and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like. Serve it warm as a tasty side or a healthy snack.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the florets get crispy instead of soggy in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I Add Other Seasonings to Change the Flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or spices like red pepper flakes for a twist. Just toss them with the cauliflower before air frying.
Is It Necessary to Preheat the Air Fryer?
Preheating helps the cauliflower cook evenly and get crispy, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.