Craving a crispy, cheesy snack that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further than this best Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 30 minutes. This recipe offers a fun twist on traditional roasted cauliflower by making it even crispier and more flavorful with Parmesan cheese and spices. Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer or a satisfying side dish, this air fryer cauliflower will surely hit the spot. It’s also a great way for beginners to dive into the world of air frying, as it’s virtually foolproof!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
- Crispy and Flavorful: Deliciously seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and paprika.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Healthy Option: Low-carb and gluten-free!
- Perfect for Beginners: Simple steps make it an ideal recipe for novice cooks.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
To make this tasty air fryer dish, you’ll need the following ingredients: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Dietary Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Already gluten-free!
- Vegan: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower – Step by Step
Preparing Cauliflower and Seasoning
Step 1: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Toss Cauliflower
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets and olive oil. Toss until the florets are evenly coated.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
Step 4: Coat Cauliflower
Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the cauliflower and toss again to ensure all florets are thoroughly coated.Cooking in the Air Fryer
Step 5: Arrange Cauliflower
Place the cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Step 6: Cook
Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket to promote even cooking.Final Touch
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once golden and crispy, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.Best Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe – Easy & Delicious Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the cauliflower up to Step 4, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
- What is the secret to the best cauliflower? Ensure even coating with seasoning and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for optimal crispiness.
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
- As a Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or steak.
- Snack Option: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
This dish is perfect for low-carb and vegetarian diets, providing a nutritious and satisfying option without sacrificing taste.
Storage & Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may become mushy.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower?
It’s not recommended as freezing can alter the crispy texture.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Nutritional yeast is a great substitute for a cheese-like flavor while keeping it vegan.
How can I add variety to the seasoning?
Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or Italian seasoning for more depth.
What is LSI in the context of recipe ingredients?
LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are related terms and phrases that help Google understand the content. Incorporating phrases like “best flour for cauliflower batter” or “cauliflower spice blend” can enhance SEO.Related Recipes for Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious side dish made with cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and spices, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets and olive oil. Toss until the cauliflower is well coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the cauliflower and toss until evenly coated.
- Place the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Parmesan, Cauliflower, Healthy Recipe, Low Carb, Vegetarian, Side Dish, Easy Recipes