Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this healthy veggie. The cauliflower florets get crispy in the air fryer and are coated with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, giving them a nice golden crunch and a cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love making this as a quick snack or a side dish because it comes together so fast and the air fryer gives the cauliflower a perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Adding Parmesan is my favorite trick to make it feel extra special without much effort. Sometimes, I even toss in a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning to mix things up.
My go-to way to serve this is alongside a simple dinner like grilled chicken or pasta, but it’s also great just on its own when I’m craving something light and crunchy. It always gets compliments from friends and family, and I like to think it’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, clean-up is easy, which is always a bonus in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this recipe. Look for a firm head with tight, white florets. If you want a twist, try using Romanesco for a nutty flavor and striking look.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a crispy, cheesy coating. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy taste and works well as a substitute.
Olive oil: Helps the cauliflower roast evenly and crisp up. You can swap it with avocado or avocado oil for a milder flavor and higher smoke point.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika give great flavor, but feel free to use onion powder, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for variety.
How Do You Get the Cauliflower Crispy and Evenly Cooked in the Air Fryer?
To get that perfect crisp, the key is to keep the cauliflower pieces similar in size. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cut florets into bite-sized chunks, not too big or small.
- Toss in oil and cheese well so every floret is coated.
- Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to turn the florets and help them brown on all sides.
Following these steps leads to golden, crispy edges and tender insides every time. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to keep the best texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I keep my cauliflower crispy and cook it quickly with this. It’s so convenient for even roasting.
- Large mixing bowl – helps toss all the ingredients easily so every piece gets coated nicely.
- Measuring spoons and cup – for accurate seasoning and cheese amounts.
- Spatula or tongs – to gently turn and serve the cauliflower without breaking the florets.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor full of B vitamins.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Mix in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil after roasting to give it a fresh flavor boost.
- Sprinkle with lemon juice or zest before serving to add a bright, tangy note.
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a quick and easy side dish. Total time is around 20 minutes, perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, wash and cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
2. Toss with Seasonings:
In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower florets. Toss them well so every piece is coated. Then sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss again to evenly coat all the florets with the seasoning and cheese.
3. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection:
Place the seasoned cauliflower in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help all sides crisp up beautifully. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and crispy edges.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a burst of fresh color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, crispy Parmesan roasted cauliflower!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the cauliflower completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before tossing it with olive oil and seasonings. This helps keep the florets crispy in the air fryer.
How Should I Store Leftover Cauliflower?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to help restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan or Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy. This works great and keeps the cauliflower nice and flavorful.
What Can I Serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower?
This makes a fantastic side dish to grilled meats, pasta, or even as a healthy snack on its own. It pairs especially well with chicken, fish, or a fresh salad.