Name: Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower with Parmesan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into medium florets); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅓ –½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; Optional: chili flakes (Italian seasoning, or dried oregano)

Golden Outside, Tender Inside – Ready in 15 Minutes

This Air Fryer Cauliflower with Parmesan is the perfect quick and healthy side dish or snack. It turns out crispy and golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with bold flavor and zero sogginess. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is family-friendly and foolproof — once you know the secrets.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Secrets for Perfectly Crispy Cauliflower

Always dry the cauliflower well before seasoning
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket
Add Parmesan at the end, not at the beginning
For extra crunch, toss the cauliflower with 1 teaspoon cornstarch before air frying

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy
Crispy without frying
Simple ingredients
Perfect for busy weeknights

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

MORE AIR FRYER recipes:

Air Fryer Cheesy Roasted Garlic & Shallot Dip

Fast • Creamy • Easy • Rich Flavor This Air Fryer Cheesy Roasted Garlic & Shallot Dip is a rich, ultra-creamy appetizer made entirely in the air fryer — no…

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan (15-Minute Side)

These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts with parmesan are golden and flavorful in about 15 minutes — a quick veggie side everyone loves Tools You’ll Need for Air Fryer Brussels…

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into medium florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓–½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chili flakes, Italian seasoning, or dried oregano

Ultra crispy air fryer cauliflower with Parmesan

If you cook at home often, an air fryer is a total game changer. This is the [one I use and love]. (amazon affiliate link)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into even, medium-sized florets.
If the cauliflower was washed, make sure it is completely dry. Moisture is the main reason cauliflower turns soft instead of crispy.

Tip: Dry florets thoroughly with a kitchen towel or let them air-dry for a few minutes.

2. Season

Ultra crispy air fryer cauliflower with Parmesan — golden outside, tender inside, and never soggy. Easy, healthy side dish ready in just 15 minutes.

Add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Toss until the florets are lightly coated, not drenched in oil.

Add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

3. Air fry

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.

4. Add Parmesan

Remove the basket and sprinkle the cauliflower evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.

Return to the air fryer and cook for 3–5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden and the edges are crispy.

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower with Parmesan

5. Serve immediately

Serve hot while the cauliflower is at peak crispiness.

Serving Ideas

Serve as a side dish with chicken, fish, or steak
Enjoy as a healthy snack
Dip in:
- Greek yogurt + garlic + lemon
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo

Variations

Cheese-Free: Skip Parmesan and add nutritional yeast
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes
Italian-Style: Use Italian seasoning and finish with fresh parsley
Kid-Friendly: Reduce spices and serve with mild ranch dip

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness