Air-Fryer Cauliflower
This amazing air-fryer cauliflower is going to become your new favorite side dish! Anyone who loves crispy, golden vegetables will absolutely adore this recipe, and the best part is it’s ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep work.

Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Active Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Serves: 4 people.
Nutrition Profile: Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, High-Fiber, Vegan, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 103 Calories, 7g Fat, 9g Carbs, 3g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cauliflower florets: You’ll need 6 cups of 1-inch pieces, which is usually one large head of cauliflower. I love how cauliflower gets so nutty and crispy in the air fryer!
Extra-virgin olive oil: Just 2 tablespoons will coat all those florets perfectly. This helps everything get golden and delicious.
Ground coriander: 2 teaspoons adds such a warm, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cauliflower. If you don’t have it, cumin works great too!
Salt: Half a teaspoon brings out all the natural flavors. Use whatever salt you have on hand.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped up adds a fresh, bright finish. Regular parsley works just fine if that’s what you have.
Lemon zest: Half a teaspoon gives such a lovely citrus pop. Make sure to zest before you juice the lemon!
Lemon juice: 1½ tablespoons adds that perfect zippy finish that makes everything taste so fresh and bright.
How to Make Air-Fryer Cauliflower

Step 1: Grab a large bowl and toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, coriander, and salt. Make sure every piece gets coated really well. Lightly spray your air-fryer basket with cooking spray, then add the cauliflower. Don’t clean that bowl yet – you’ll need it again!
Step 2: Set your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then open it up and give the cauliflower a gentle toss to help everything cook evenly.
Step 3: Keep cooking for another 8 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks beautifully caramelized!
Step 4: Put the cooked cauliflower back in that large bowl you saved. Add the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until it’s all coated. Serve it up hot and enjoy!
Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Cauliflower Version
Want to make this even simpler? You can totally use pre-cut cauliflower florets from the store! Just grab a 2-pound bag of frozen cauliflower florets and add 2 extra minutes to the cooking time. Skip the chopping and you’re good to go!
Serving Ideas
This crispy cauliflower makes a perfect side dish for just about any meal! Try it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even as part of a veggie bowl with quinoa. It’s also amazing on its own as a healthy snack.
Storage
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until it’s crispy again. You can also reheat it in a regular oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Substitutions
No coriander? Try cumin, paprika, or even garlic powder instead! Don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley works fine – just use 1 tablespoon instead of 2. You can also swap the lemon juice for lime juice if that’s what you have.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the cauliflower in two batches for the crispiest results.
- Size matters: Keep your florets about the same size so they cook evenly.
- Fresh is best: Add the lemon juice and parsley right before serving to keep everything bright and fresh.
- Extra crispy trick: Pat the cauliflower dry with paper towels before seasoning for maximum crispiness!
FAQs
Can I make this without an air fryer?
You bet! Just roast the seasoned cauliflower in a 425°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’ll be just as delicious!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Sure! You can cut the cauliflower and mix it with the oil and spices up to a day ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge and air fry when you’re ready.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild coriander and bright lemon make this a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. You can even let them help with the tossing!
I’d love to hear how this air-fryer cauliflower turns out for you! Let me know if you try any fun variations or if your family loves it as much as mine does. Happy cooking!