This delicious roasted cauliflower is a quick and easy side dish for busy weeknights!
There are days when I feel inspired in the kitchen, and cooking feels like a fun, creative outlet. And then there are days, usually when I’m tired or super busy, when cooking feels more like a dreaded chore. On those occasions when I just want to get dinner on the table without a lot of thought or effort, I rely on easy-to-make side dishes like this roasted cauliflower.
Not only does it take minimal effort—a true “set it and forget it” kind of dish—but I can count on it being delicious every single time I make it. Cooking the cauliflower in the air fryer allows me to use less oil than I would if I were roasting it in the oven, but it still gets that wonderfully crispy, golden texture on the exterior. Plus, the inside gets nice and tender so that every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Besides the convenience factor of this simple side dish, the mild flavor of the cauliflower also makes it super versatile. It’s easy to pair with many different flavor profiles, whether it’s a spicy curry entrée or a simple grilled protein. You can even change up the seasoning on the cauliflower itself, such as lemon and garlic or smoked paprika and chili. There are so many ways to jazz it up!
Tips to get crispy cauliflower in the air fryer
There are a few tried-and-true tricks you can rely on to ensure your cauliflower gets nice and crispy. First, make sure you cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets rather than leaving them really large. Also, aim for cutting each floret into approximately the same size to ensure they cook evenly. Be sure to arrange the florets into a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t pile any on top of each other), and leave enough space in between them to allow air to circulate. Lastly, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the florets brown evenly.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow any leftover cauliflower to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You could also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container), but keep in mind the texture is likely to turn softer upon thawing and reheating. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a 400°F oven or the air fryer for 6 to 8 minutes.
Serving suggestions
The beauty of this dish is that it’s super versatile. It can be paired with a wide range of entrées and different types of cuisines, ranging from Feta Chicken Bake to Asian Garlic Shrimp. It’d also go great with these Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers for a tasty meatless meal. As for other veggie sides that would complement it, consider serving some Balsamic-Roasted Carrots or Grilled Asparagus alongside it to round out the meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower florets into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Then, sprinkle generously with sea salt.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer inside the mesh basket of your air fryer.
- Cook at 400°F until fork tender and golden brown, about 17-22 minutes.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
I googled easy cauliflower air fryer recipe and yours came up! It’s delicious! Went 20 minutes total and it’s perfect crispy doneness. Thank you for sharing.
That’s great to hear. Thanks for trying out the recipe and leaving a rating!