Learn how to air fry cauliflower (without breading), it’s simple to make and requires minimal prep. Cauliflower is sprayed with oil then seasoned with salt and pepper and air fried resulting in a delicious side dish that’s crispy golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. A kid-favorite.
Our fried cauliflower recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. It can then be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack. It is a vegetable dish that is loved by parents and kids alike!
This ninja air fryer cauliflower is one of the best cauliflower recipes for toddlers to teens. Our Roasted Frozen Cauliflower, Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup and Broccoli Cauliflower Soup are must-try recipes too!
A gluten-free, dairy-free, flavor-filled vegetable dish that will leave everyone wanting just one more bite! Season to perfection with salt and pepper or opt for any seasoning blend (we share our favorites below!).
We love serving this dish at dinner paired with Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, Baked Pork Chops or Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks. It can also be incorporated into a recipe such as our popular Salmon Buddha Bowl or in any soup or salad.
Recently, it has been my go-to before I pick up the kids from after-school activities. Air-fried cauliflower makes a delicious and healthy mid-morning or afternoon snack.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- salt and pepper to taste
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Air Fry Cauliflower for Kids
Wash the cauliflower then remove the leaves. Use a knife to cut the florets from the stem. Use your hands to break it into small pieces.
Season the cauliflower
Place the florets onto the air fryer tray. Spray well with nonstick cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.
How long to Air Fry Cauliflower
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. We use a Ninja Foodi and love it!
Recipe Substitution Ideas
- Onion – Sprinkle 1 tsp of onion powder along with the salt and pepper on the florets
- Buffalo – Drizzle cauliflower florets with buffalo sauce after frying
- Chili Garlic – Combine 1/2 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of garlic powder then sprinkle on the florets prior to frying
- Taco – Toss air fried florets in taco seasoning or sprinkle 1 tsp cumin on the top of the florets
- Parmesan – Coat the cauliflower with parmesan cheese after frying
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Dry the Cauliflower: After washing the cauliflower, make sure to pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps the seasoning and cooking process by preventing excess moisture.
Uniform Floret Sizes: Try to cut the cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps in achieving a consistent texture and doneness.
Seasoning Variations: Get creative with your seasoning! Add garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or any other spices you enjoy to enhance the flavor profile of the cauliflower.
Parchment Paper or Basket Liner:
To make cleanup easier, you can line the air fryer tray with parchment paper or use a non-stick basket liner. This also helps in preventing the cauliflower from sticking to the tray.
Serve with Dipping Sauce:
Prepare a dipping sauce like tzatziki, yogurt-based ranch, or tahini to serve alongside the air-fried cauliflower for added enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frozen cauliflower can be used if thawed first. We recommend pressing any excess moisture from the thawed florets prior to air frying.
Fresh cauliflower lasts up to 1 week in the fridge. If nearing the end of the week, follow the steps in our How To Freeze Cauliflower guide.
Store cooled cauliflower in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat by adding back to a preheated air fryer, roasting in the oven or heating in the microwave.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Spread the cauliflower florets into a single layer on the air fryer tray. This helps to crisp each and every piece.
- Preheat the air fryer prior to cooking. Air fryers preheat very quickly.
- Flipping the cauliflower every 5 minutes helps to crisp all sides. Be careful and use a flipper with a long enough handle to prevent burning yourself and an oven mitt to hold the hot tray.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Baked Potato in the Air Fryer
- Air Fried Blooming Onion
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
How To Air Fry Cauliflower
Equipment
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- ⭐️Prep the cauliflower. Wash the cauliflower then remove the leaves. Use a knife to cut the florets from the stem. Use your hands to break it into small pieces.1 head cauliflower
- Season the cauliflower. Place the florets onto the air fryer tray. Spray well with nonstick cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.salt and pepper to taste
- ⭐️Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Cook for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
Notes
Variations
- Onion – Sprinkle 1 tsp of onion powder along with the salt and pepper on the florets
- Buffalo – Drizzle cauliflower florets with buffalo sauce after frying
- Chili Garlic – Combine 1/2 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of garlic powder then sprinkle on the florets prior to frying
- Taco – Toss air fried florets in taco seasoning or sprinkle 1 tsp cumin on the top of the florets
- Parmesan – Coat the cauliflower with parmesan cheese after frying
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store cooled cauliflower in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat by adding back to a preheated air fryer, roasting in the oven or heating in the microwave. CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination. The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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