Are you tired of the same old cauliflower recipes? Look no further! The humble cruciferous vegetable has been transformed into a culinary superstar with the help of the air fryer. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouthwatering and crispy air fryer cauliflower recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride.
From spicy buffalo bites to tangy lemon pepper, these recipes are sure to satisfy any craving. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make and require minimal effort. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your air fryer and get ready to elevate your cauliflower game!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Transform cauliflower into addictive Buffalo-style bites with this easy air fryer recipe! A perfect combination of crispy and spicy, these bite-sized morsels are sure to become your new snack obsession.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: blue cheese crumbles for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cauliflower florets, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and melted butter until well coated.
3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the cauliflower mixture.
4. Load the air fryer basket with the coated cauliflower in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Serve hot with blue cheese crumbles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Cauliflower
Elevate your vegetable game with this flavorful and crispy air-fried cauliflower recipe, infused with savory garlic and melted parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite pasta, pizza, or salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: additional seasonings such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut it into florets.
3. In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
4. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the garlic-parmesan mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add additional seasonings.
6. Air-fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this game-changing recipe that combines the crunch of air-fried cauliflower with the brightness of lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 corn tortillas
– Lime Crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Air-fry the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by placing air-fried cauliflower on tortillas and topping with Lime Crema (see below).
Lime Crema:
– 1 cup sour cream
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 tablespoon honey
Mix all ingredients until smooth.
Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Say goodbye to traditional chicken wings and hello to a healthier, just-as-delicious alternative with our Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings recipe. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying crispy, flavorful bites in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and break it into florets.
3. In a bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Dip each cauliflower piece into the beaten egg and then coat in the flour mixture.
5. Place coated cauliflower pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, shaking halfway through.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak with Herb Butter
Transform cauliflower into a mouthwatering steak with the help of your air fryer and a tangy herb butter. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower head and remove the leaves. Cut into 1-inch thick steaks.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower steaks, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Air-fry the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Meanwhile, mix together the softened butter, garlic, parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once the cauliflower is cooked, spread a pat of herb butter on top of each steak.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Air Fryer Cauliflower Popcorn
Get ready to experience a game-changing snack with this addictive recipe that combines the crunch of popcorn with the healthiness of cauliflower, all infused with spicy flavor. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for movie nights or as a savory side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– 1 cup popcorn kernels
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
4. In a bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
5. Load the cauliflower mixture into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Meanwhile, pop the popcorn kernels according to the package instructions.
8. Combine the cooked cauliflower with the popped popcorn and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Fried Rice
Transform cauliflower into a delicious and nutritious fried rice alternative with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Perfect for vegans, gluten-free diets, or simply a healthier take on traditional fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F.
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut into florets.
3. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, onion, garlic, and salt. Spread on the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cauliflower is tender and lightly browned.
5. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and pepper to the bowl; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-17 minutes
Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cauliflower
Brighten up your meal with this easy and flavorful Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Cauliflower recipe! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying crispy, citrusy goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Add lemon juice and continue to toss until the cauliflower is well-coated.
4. Load the air fryer basket with the cauliflower mixture in a single layer.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Check for crispiness and cook an additional minute if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Nuggets with Dipping Sauce
Transform cauliflower into a tasty snack with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or healthy indulgence, these nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and pulse into small pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Add the cauliflower bits to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until coated evenly.
5. Cook the cauliflower nuggets in batches for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot with Tangy Dipping Sauce (recipe below).
Tangy Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients until smooth and serve chilled.
Air Fryer Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
Air Fryer Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry: A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the crunch of air-fried cauliflower with the creaminess of chickpea curry sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 can of chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Air-fry cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and crispy.
4. In a pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
5. Stir in cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add chickpeas and broth (if using); stir to combine.
7. Serve air-fried cauliflower on top of the chickpea curry sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, including prep time.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Transform your macaroni and cheese game with the addition of roasted cauliflower, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This comforting dish is a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. In a saucepan, combine milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, roasted cauliflower, and cheese sauce in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-18 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of crispy and tender with these Air Fryer Cauliflower Hash Browns! This simple recipe yields a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Load the cauliflower mixture into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Check for crispiness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Get ready for a game-changing pizza crust that’s low-carb and packed with flavor! This recipe uses cauliflower as the base, which is then air-fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional toppings: pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, various meats or vegetables
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Microwave the cauliflower “rice” for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute, until soft and cooked through.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Divide the mixture into 2-3 portions, depending on desired crust size.
6. Shape each portion into a disk and place in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Fritters with Tzatziki
Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Cauliflower Fritters with Tzatziki are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional fritters. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tzatziki sauce (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cauliflower florets, flour, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the batter.
4. Load the fritters into the Air Fryer basket in batches, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with Tzatziki sauce (see below).
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Air Fryer Cauliflower and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Transform classic stuffed peppers into a healthier, flavorful twist by adding cauliflower to the mix. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bell peppers with the creamy richness of cheese and the nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cauliflower, olive oil, onion, and half of the cheddar cheese.
3. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
4. Stuff each pepper with the cauliflower mixture, dividing it evenly among the four peppers.
5. Top each pepper with remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower Shawarma Wraps
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this innovative and delicious twist on traditional shawarma wraps, made possible by the air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 pita breads
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Air-fry the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Warm pita breads according to package instructions or by wrapping in foil and heating in the air fryer for a few minutes.
5. Assemble wraps by spreading tzatziki sauce on each pita, then adding air-fried cauliflower and garnishing with parsley.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (including prep)
Air Fryer Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin
Elevate your meal with this easy-to-make Air Fryer Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin. This recipe combines the best of both worlds – tender, caramelized vegetables and crispy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread half of the vegetable mixture in the Air Fryer basket. Top with half of the cheese and cream.
4. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Remove from the Air Fryer and sprinkle with minced garlic (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Cauliflower with Tahini Drizzle
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, crispy, and nutritious cauliflower recipe, topped with a rich tahini drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Load the cauliflower into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Meanwhile, mix tahini, lemon juice, and water to create a smooth drizzle consistency.
5. Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove from the Air Fryer and toss with tahini drizzle.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Leave a Reply