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air fryer cauliflower recipe

Air Fryer Cauliflower

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Servings: 3 Servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: International
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons  olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon  paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon  salt
  • ½ teaspoon  black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons  cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Wash the cauliflower and pat it completely dry. Cut the head into medium-sized florets — not too big or too small. 
  2. Place the florets in a large bowl. Add olive oil and toss gently so each piece gets lightly coated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch if you’re using it. 
  3. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spread the cauliflower in the basket in a single layer. A little overlap is fine, but try not to pile it up.
  4. Air fry for 14–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Notes

Dry Thoroughly

Any water left on the florets turns into steam. Steam = soft cauliflower. Drying well is more important than the amount of oil you use.

Don’t Skip Shaking

Shaking halfway ensures the pieces crisp on all sides.

Don’t Overload

Too much cauliflower in the basket blocks airflow. Cook in batches if needed.

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crunch

It’s optional, but absolutely worth it if you want that “fried without frying” feeling.