Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a simple, crispy, and delicious side dish that brings a little extra flavor to your veggies. The cauliflower gets perfectly roasted with a crunchy cheese coating thanks to the parmesan, all cooked quickly in the air fryer for a nice golden finish. It’s a great way to enjoy cauliflower without it being mushy or bland.
I love making this because it’s so easy and fast, especially on busy nights. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving the cauliflower a great crunch while keeping it tender inside. I always sprinkle on extra parmesan right at the end to add a little more cheesiness—I think it makes a big difference and keeps everyone coming back for more!
This dish pairs wonderfully with almost anything. I often serve it alongside grilled chicken or toss it into a salad for a bit of extra texture. It’s also great just on its own as a snack or appetizer. If you’re new to cooking cauliflower or the air fryer, this is definitely a recipe worth trying—I promise you’ll be surprised at how tasty and easy it is.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower works best here for that crisp bite. If you prefer, broccoli florets are a tasty swap and will roast beautifully in the air fryer too.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds great flavor and helps create the crunchy crust. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the cauliflower crisp and carry the seasoning. You can use avocado or any neutral oil if you want a lighter flavor or higher smoke point.
Spices (Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper): These create a simple but delicious seasoning blend. Feel free to add chili powder or Italian herbs for a different twist.
How Can You Get Crispy and Evenly Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Getting cauliflower crispy without burning can be tricky. Here’s what works for me:
- Cut the florets into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
- Coat them well with oil and Parmesan to encourage browning.
- Arrange the florets in a single layer with space between pieces. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Pause halfway to shake the basket or stir the cauliflower. This helps each side get crispy.
- Check near the end of cooking to avoid burning and get your perfect golden color.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the cauliflower evenly and gets it crispy without much oil.
- Mixing bowl – for tossing the cauliflower with oil and seasonings easily.
- Measuring spoons and cup – to measure the Parmesan, spices, and oil accurately.
- Cooking spray (optional) – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick—great if you like some heat.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese after cooking for extra cheesy flavor.
- Stir in chopped cooked bacon or pancetta for smoky, savory bites.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 paprika (optional, for color and subtle smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, so you’ll have a tasty, crispy side dish ready in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Cauliflower:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets and put them in a large bowl.
2. Season the Cauliflower:
Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower florets and toss to coat them evenly. In a separate small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the cauliflower and gently toss again so every piece is covered.
3. Air Fry Until Crispy:
Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket — avoid crowding so they roast nicely. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or stirring the basket halfway through to get even browning. Cook until the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the edges but still tender inside.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your roasted cauliflower to a plate. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy it warm as a delicious, cheesy, crispy side or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before air frying. Excess moisture can prevent the cauliflower from getting crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to regain crispiness.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like chili flakes, Italian herbs, or swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or shredded mozzarella for a different flavor.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer?
Preheating helps the cauliflower cook evenly and get crispy, but if you’re short on time, you can start cooking without preheating — just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.