Air Fryer Cauliflower

Name: Air Fryer Cauliflower
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Cauliflower (to clean) 1.5 lbs; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 2.8 oz; Lemon peel 1; Thyme 1 sprig; Sage 1 sprig; Balsamic vinegar 1.4 tbsp; Extra virgin olive oil 1.3 tbsp; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it es fr de br

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Very low

PRESENTATION

Air fryer cauliflower is just one of those dishes, you know? Crispy edges with a tender inside—it’s perfect when you need something quick and light. In northern Italy, they usually use more oil or roast it in the oven. But, to be honest, the air fryer gives you that same golden finish with less fuss and way less oil. Really good stuff. You still get all the good stuff—like the nutty flavor from crispy air fryer cauliflower—but it’s a lot lighter. A sprinkle of grated cheese, some lemon zest, and a dash of balsamic vinegar really elevate the taste without overpowering the cauliflower. Pretty simple. Toss in aromatic herbs like rosemary or oregano for an extra layer of flavor, and you’ll find every bite moist but never soggy.

And look, in Italy, dishes like this often pair with grilled meats, roasted fish, or even a simple bowl of pasta for a bit of crunch. The beauty of this easy air fryer cauliflower recipe is how it fits into almost any meal. You can switch up the flavors depending on what’s in your kitchen. I mean, some folks add garlic or chili flakes for a little heat, which is great. The whole process is super quick. Seriously. You can have these crispy bites ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights or a healthy snack. Compared to traditional roasted cauliflower, the air fryer version comes out crispier and lighter. For sure. It’s why it’s catching on even outside Italy.

Whether you’re serving it with Sunday lunch or grabbing a handful as a snack, air fryer cauliflower bites just tend to disappear fast. This dish really shows how easy it is to make healthy air fryer recipes part of everyday meals—good food, done fast, with plenty of flavor and minimal cleanup. It's all about enjoying a delicious and simple way to add more veggies into your day-to-day life without compromising on taste or texture. Really, it's a game changer.

How to prepare Air Fryer Cauliflower

To prepare air fryer cauliflower, first clean the cauliflower: remove the outer leaves 1 and the central stem 2, then cut the florets into smaller pieces 3.

Plunge the cauliflower into boiling water and boil for 5 minutes 4. Drain the cauliflower in a bowl 5 and season with extra virgin olive oil 6.

Add salt 7, grated Parmigiano Reggiano 8, and a dash of black pepper 9.

Transfer the seasoned cauliflower to the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper (we used an air fryer with a 6-liter capacity) 10 and cook at 356°F for 10 minutes 11. After the cooking time, they should be beautifully golden 12.

Plate the cauliflower and finish with balsamic vinegar 13, grated lemon zest, and some thyme and sage leaves 14. Your air fryer cauliflower is ready to be served 15!