Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe – Paprika, Parmesan & Lemon

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe – Paprika, Parmesan & Lemon

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a quick, healthy, and seriously tasty side dish. And let me tell you, this air fryer cauliflower is a total game-changer. I first made this when I was craving something crunchy and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. It’s become a regular in my rotation – and I think it’ll become one of yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer cauliflower recipe is seriously simple. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower – even if you think you don’t like it! The paprika and parmesan (optional, but oh-so-good!) create a wonderfully savory and slightly cheesy coating, while a squeeze of lemon brightens everything up. It’s a perfect snack, side dish, or even a light meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious air fryer cauliflower:

• 1 big head of Cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Sea Salt: I really prefer sea salt for this recipe. It just has a cleaner, brighter flavor than regular table salt.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness. Don’t skimp here!
• Paprika: You can play around with the type of paprika you use. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth, while sweet paprika is a bit milder. I sometimes even use a mix!
• Parmesan: This is totally optional, making it easy to keep the recipe vegan. But if you’re not vegan, a little grated parmesan adds a lovely salty, umami kick.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super easy, I promise.

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is important for getting that perfect crispy texture.
2. Next, chop the cauliflower into bite-size pieces. You want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. In a bowl, combine the cauliflower with the olive oil, sea salt, and paprika.
4. Now, toss everything together really well, making sure all the cauliflower florets are nicely coated.
5. Place the seasoned cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it – you might need to cook it in batches.
6. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and tender. Give it a shake halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Finally, remove from the air fryer, sprinkle with parmesan (if using) and parsley, and squeeze over the lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: This is key for crispy cauliflower. Work in batches if needed.
• Shake it up: Shaking the basket halfway through ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra paprika never hurt anyone!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Skip the parmesan and use 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead. It gives a similar cheesy flavor! My friend, Priya, swears by this.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a little heat. My family loves a bit of a kick.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: Serve with a side of quinoa or couscous and a dollop of yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer cauliflower is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
• As a snack with your favorite dipping sauce (see FAQs below!).
• Added to salads for a boost of flavor and texture.
• As part of a mezze platter.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as it will lose some of its crispiness over time. You can try reheating it in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up again, but it won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.
• What’s the best dipping sauce for air fryer cauliflower? Ranch, hummus, or a simple yogurt dip are all great options. I personally love a spicy mayo!
• How do I prevent the cauliflower from burning in the air fryer? Make sure to preheat the air fryer properly and don’t overcrowd the basket. Shaking it halfway through also helps.
• Can I bake this cauliflower instead of air frying it? Yes, you can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• What other spices can I add to this recipe? Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or chili powder would all be delicious additions.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out. I love hearing from you.