Air fryer recipes will not only save you time but also help you create a delicious alternative to traditional roasted cauliflower. 

With just a few simple ingredients and a maximum of 15 minutes, your cauliflower will come out perfectly charred and golden, making it impossible to resist. 

That truly makes this the perfect side dish and cauliflower might just be one of your new favorite vegetables! 

It’s great for a busy weeknight or a delicious side dish. Who knew that cooking cauliflower could be this unique and yummy?

If you’re wanting a healthy vegetable side dish, this is my go-to method. 

The seasoned florets pair really well with just about any main course, which makes easy air fryer recipe like this even better! You’ll love the crispy texture of this seasoned cauliflower recipe! Or try this air fryer butternut squash.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cauliflower

You will absolutely adore making your cauliflower in an air fryer, and here’s why:

• Incredibly simple: Air frying cauliflower couldn’t be more straightforward. 
  
  The best way is to toss everything together, place it in your air fryer, and with a quick cooking time, your golden brown cauliflower should be ready to enjoy.
  
• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: Isn’t that the perfect combination? 
  
  With an air fryer, your cauliflower florets will have the perfect crispiness on the outside while retaining a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness on the inside.
  
• Healthy and delicious: Did you know that cooking in an air fryer requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods? 
  
  This means you’ll get all the mouthwatering taste of fried cauliflower without the extra calories and fat. 
  
  Plus, cauliflower is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants – making it a smart choice for your overall health.
  
• Versatile seasonings: The possibilities for seasoning your air fried cauliflower are endless! 
  
  You can stick to classic combinations like olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, or get adventurous with your favorite seasoning blend to create a more bold flavor. 
  
  I love New Mexico Chili Powder myself!

So go ahead and give your taste buds a treat with air fryer cauliflower. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this flavorful, easy side dish. 

And who knows, next thing you might find yourself making air fryer broccoli or air fryer brussels sprouts!

Ingredients

You’re going to love making this tasty air fryer cauliflower dish! Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to perfectly execute this delicious, crispy, healthy recipe:

• cauliflower florets: This is the star of the dish, providing all the amazing health benefits and satisfying texture.
  
  You can buy a head of cauliflower and cut it up, or purchase it already in smaller pieces. 
  
• extra virgin olive oil: This helps the cauliflower to crisp up in the air fryer and adds a touch of rich flavor.
  
• kosher salt: Balances out the flavors, while also enhancing the natural taste of the cauliflower.
  
• fresh ground black pepper: Just the right amount to give your dish a subtle kick and complexity.
  
• Optional: fresh chopped flat leaf parsley for serving: Sprinkle on top of your finished air fryer cauliflower for a vibrant, flavorful garnish that’ll impress your guests. 
  
  You can even try grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor!

Equipment Needed

Ready to make delicious air-fried cauliflower? Let’s gather the essential equipment to get you started! 

Having these items handy will make the process a breeze and ensure you have crispy, tasty cauliflower that you’ll love.

• Air Fryer: First and foremost, you’ll need an air fryer. Some popular models include those from Instant Pot, Ninja, and Philips. 
  
  Don’t worry about the size too much; as long as it’s at least 5 1/2 quarts, you’ll have enough space for your cauliflower.
  
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl. You’ll use it to coat the cauliflower with seasoning and oil before air frying.
  
• Cutting board and knife: Chop your cauliflower into bite-sized pieces on a sturdy cutting board using a sharp kitchen knife.
  
• Measuring Spoons: To measure out the perfect amount of olive oil, spices, and seasoning, you’ll need a set of measuring spoons.
  
• Tongs or spatula: Use tongs or a spatula to easily toss the cauliflower in the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower

Dipping Sauce: A flavorful dip can instantly elevate your air fryer cauliflower experience. Try serving it with buffalo sauce or a cool, creamy ranch dressing.

Proteins: If you’re looking for a great main dish, pair your air fryer cauliflower with your favorite protein. 

It complements grilled chicken, salmon, pork roast, or steak wonderfully making for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Tacos and Wraps: Yes, you read that right! Air-fried cauliflower can be a delicious filling for tacos or wraps. 

Simply stuff your tortilla or wrap with the cauliflower, add some fresh veggies, and drizzle your preferred sauce for a mouthwatering meal.

Storage Instructions

First, let the cauliflower cool down completely. You don’t want any steam to create unwanted moisture in the container. 

Once it’s cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat toss the cauliflower back into the air fryer at 300°F for about 3-4 minutes. 

This will ensure that your crispy air fryer cauliflower recipe leftovers warm up and nice and crispy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Get the perfect cauliflower texture with these tips! Remember to cut your cauliflower into even-sized florets. 

This ensures that they cook uniformly in the air fryer and develop that wonderful crispy exterior while staying tender on the inside.

Make sure your cauliflower is dry before tossing it in oil and seasonings. Any excess moisture will prevent the florets from crisping up in the air fryer. 

Simply pat the florets dry with a paper towel or clean dishcloth after rinsing them.

When you’re ready to cook, ensure that your florets are arranged in an even layer in the air fryer basket. 

This allows optimum air circulation and results in perfectly cooked cauliflower. 

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Here are two essential steps to remember when cooking:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the cauliflower. A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and helps achieve those desired crispy edges.
  
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This will redistribute the florets and promote even browning. Be sure to keep them in a single layer. 
  
  You’ll want to cook your florets for a total of 12 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and your preferred level of crispiness.

Lastly, experiment with cooking times and temperatures. Air fryers can vary in their power and heat settings, so it’s important to find the sweet spot for your specific model. 

Start by following the manufacturer’s recommendation, but don’t be afraid to adjust the time and temperature if needed.

Can I make this recipe using other types of vegetables? 

You bet. You can make air fryer carrots, Brussel sprouts, air fryer corn on the cob, or any other healthy ingredients that you want! Just add your favorite seasonings, and enjoy! 

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (Easy Recipe with Video)

Air fryer cauliflower is the perfect healthy snack or side dish. Keep it simple with salt and pepper or get creative with a variety of spices!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Method Air Fryer

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 12 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 70cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• air fryer
• quality knives
• cutting board
• mixing bowls

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• Optional: fresh chopped flat leaf parsley for serving

Instructions

• Preheat air fryer to 300°F for 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the cauliflower florets into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• Tossing the cauliflower to coat evenly. You can use spoons or clean hands.
• Add the cauliflower into the preheated air fryer.
• Cook for 10 minutes. Halfway through, slide the drawer out and shake up cauliflower. Then slide the drawer back in.
• Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can also season with garlic powder, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, etc.

The recipe can be doubled or tripled based on the size of your air fryer. You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer or the air can not circulate around the cauliflower.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 70cal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 300mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published August 2020, updated and republished September 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower (Easy Recipe with Video) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

As much as I love Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice, it isn’t low-carb or keto-friendly… which is why I was so excited to see them come out with a cauliflower rice version!

Unfortunately, it didn’t last very long at the restaurant, but this copycat recipe is just as tasty. Plus, you can have as much as you want and make it whenever you’d like.

Lime and cilantro go together so well — I make this yogurt sauce all the time! — and add just enough flavor to go from bland to grand without overwhelming the rest of the meal.

And since cauliflower is a pretty neutral–tasting veggie, it’s the perfect base for that herb and citrus pairing!

Perfect for when you need an easy and light side dish option, the great news is cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a lot easier to make than you think!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cauliflower – Look for white, not yellowed, florets that are firm and densely packed. The stem and leaves should be bright green and not soft or wilted.
  
  I like to grill the florets before grating them, so this recipe for Chipotle cauliflower rice won’t work with the frozen, pre-riced stuff. The texture is better with fresh anyway.
  
• Olive Oil – This is what I always use for cooking, but any neutral oil that can handle higher temperatures would work! Avocado oil is probably the best substitute.
  
• Limes – Freshly squeezed lime juice tastes so much better than from a bottle. And if you’re craving extra lime flavor, add some zest too!
  
  You’ll need 2 to make cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime, plus more for serving if you’d like.
  
• Cilantro – Be sure to wash and pat dry before picking off the leaves — there’s usually dirt and grime hidden in the bunch.
  
  Speaking of, you’ll only want to use the leaves for this recipe. You can discard the stems or save them to make a yummy sauce.
  
• Salt – Our flavor-maker! Feel free to start with a smaller amount or season to taste. I prefer to use kosher salt.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Chipotle Cauliflower Rice

• Grill or sauté — DON’T boil.

If you leave the florets raw, even grated, they will be crunchy and a little hard to chew. But you don’t want to overcook them or your cilantro lime cauliflower rice will just be a soggy mess.

Toss the florets in a hot grill pan on the stove and cook until golden brown and slightly tender.

You can also use a regular gas grill outside, but you’ll need something to contain the florets. Add them to a grill basket or wrap them up in a foil packet and cook until just slightly tender.

And if you don’t have any kind of grill, then a regular ol’ skillet will do the job. You’ll want to grate the florets first, then sauté in oil before tossing with the other ingredients.

• Shred a whole head of cauliflower.

Since we’re cooking the florets first, it’ll be a lot harder to grate them by hand. Instead, toss them into a food processor with a shredding blade attachment.

A regular blade will just create a paste.

If you plan on ricing first, then use the smallest hole on a box grater. The pieces will end up a bit smaller and with less of a “bite” than the food processor, but still tasty!

• Toss with remaining ingredients while warm.

Combine the cauliflower rice with cilantro and lime in a mixing bowl and toss until everything is evenly distributed.

The “grains” will absorb the flavors best while still warm, so don’t let them cool too much first!

Prep Ahead

• Fit food processor with shredding blade
• Clean and chop cauliflower
• Juice limes
• Chop cilantro

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
• Cast Iron Grill Pan – Makes it easy to get that yummy charred flavor without having to step outside your kitchen!
• Food Processor with a shredding blade attachment
• Mixing Bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Citrus Juicer – This gets every last drop out, which makes juicing limes so much easier.

Serving Suggestions 

Enjoy cilantro cauliflower rice on its own, as a side dish, or topped with your favorite meats and veggies!

I love making my own little burrito bowl with grilled chicken and bell peppers or leftover barbacoa (also a Chipotle copycat!). 

Cauliflower chipotle rice is also tasty with full-fat sour cream and Sriracha — both are keto-friendly — for a spicy, creamy snack. Just be sure to include them in your carb counts.

Storing and Reheating Cilantro Cauliflower Rice

Leftovers will keep for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Unfortunately, this dish does not freeze well.

I usually reheat cilantro cauliflower rice on the stovetop for the best texture. Warm a little olive oil in a nonstick skillet, then add your leftovers and cook over low heat until warmed through.

Cauliflower Chipotle Rice FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Chipotle Copycat Recipes

Chipotle Steak Copycat Recipe

Chipotle Pinto Beans Copycat Recipe (Stovetop)

Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Copycat)

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Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (Chipotle Copycat)

Make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice with 5 simple ingredients. It’s a bright and zesty side dish that goes with all your Tex Mex favorites!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Tex Mex

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 98cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• grill pan
• food processor

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower thoroughly washed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• juice from 2 limes about 2 ½ tablespoons
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro washed and dried
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Remove greens from the cauliflower head. Chop the washed cauliflower into 4 quarters by making cuts lengthwise, down through the core. Then, angle your knife to remove the core from each quarter. With your hands, separate the florets. Wash the florets and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets. Brush the florets with additional olive oil. Heat for 20 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly tender.
• Remove from the grill pan and place in a food processor with the shredding blade attachment. Shred the cauliflower on low until all pieces have been added.
• Remove the shredded cauliflower rice from the food processor and place in a medium bowl. Add the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Serve immediately as a side, or top with your favorite meats and veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 98cal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 626mg | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published June 2024,updated and republished May 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice (Chipotle Copycat) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

These scrumptious cheesy cauliflower fritters get their flavor from Italian herbs and spices, bits of crispy garlic and a kick of spicy heat. 

The bread crumbs bring the crunch in full force! This much deliciousness can be served as a healthy appetizer, snack, or even a meal in itself!!

Fritters are such a fantastic low-effort meal. You can throw in all sorts of leftovers and ingredients you have rolling around in your refrigerator for snack-sized, flavor-packed bites! 

Baked cauliflower fritters are even better. Why, you may ask? Well, because they don’t need to sit and fry in a whole lot of oil to get a crunchy crust! 

Baking is healthier — not to mention easy to prepare and clean up!

The next time that you’re looking for the perfect addition to any main dish, give this appetizer and side dish a try.

It’s a great way to make golden brown goodness that you can pick up and pop right into your mouth! I’m all for the flavor of these cauliflower cheese bites! 

I’ll even top with some parmesan cheese for a burst of extra flavor. And the best part? The main ingredients are super simple to grab from the store.

For the full recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

These easy fritters are a modern Italian-inspired delight! There’s nothing like mozzarella cheese, oregano, garlic, and parsley to add wholesome, comforting flavors to your home cooked meals.

I just love using cauliflower. It’s healthy, takes on seasonings so well, and plays well with so many other ingredients. These remind me of my corn fritters that are just as delicious!

Enjoy on its own crisped up in the air fryer, or alongside potatoes in this satisfying mash!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Cauliflower – Super versatile, super tasty, and super healthy! You can buy the premade cauliflower rice packs. Frozen is a-okay! 
  
  Just be sure to let them thaw completely and be sure to squeeze out all of the water.
  
• Mozzarella Cheese – For ooey gooey goodness! This cheese is my go-to, but sprinkling in some parmesan or Pepper Jack adds more dimension and layers of flavor.
  
• Bread Crumbs – Italian style crumbs are awesome because the seasonings are built in! 
  
  Of course, any bread crumb will do, but you might want to compensate with an extra sprinkling of garlic powder, pepper, and the other herbs we use in this recipe.
  
• Oregano, Red Chili Flakes, and Parsley – Fresh herbs are usually a great substitute, but go ahead and use dried ones this time!
  
  Extra moisture can make cauliflower rice fritters fall apart.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Cauliflower Fritters

Use a muffin tin.

A lot of people make fritters in muffin tins. You don’t need to measure them, and they pop right out. 

If you do this, then be sure to generously spray the tin with cooking oil to keep these puppies from sticking. An even better idea is to use a silicone pan!

Get creative with fillings.

Cheesy cauliflower bites are crazy customizable. Try dicing up some broccoli or zucchini for some more veggie goodness. 

You can also add diced pepperoni, sausage, or bacon if you’d like to throw in some protein!

Be sure to chill the batter.

Fritters hold together much better if the ingredients are cold. If you have the time, let the mixture sit in the fridge for an hour or so before forming the cauliflower bites!

Storing and Reheating Cauliflower Bites

The batter keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If possible, only make as many fritters as you’re going to eat at one time, and store the rest of the batter in the fridge for later.

Baked foods are never as crisp as when they’re fresh out of the oven, so I really recommend enjoying these right away! 

If you manage to have leftovers, you can reheat cheesy cauliflower bites in the air fryer to get them nice and crispy again. 

Cheesy Cauliflower Bites FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Cheesy Cauliflower Bites (Baked Cauli Balls Recipe)

Cheesy Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, cheesy and healthy snack! This baked cauliflower fritters recipe takes just 45 minutes to make!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 192cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• food processor
• mixing bowls
• parchment paper
• rimmed baking sheets
• 1 tablespoon scoop

Ingredients

• 1 small head cauliflower (10 ounces)
• 3 1/2 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon finely grated garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon crushed red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

Instructions

• Cut cauliflower into small florets and soak them in hot water for 10 minutes.
• Drain the water; use a paper towel to pat the florets dry.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Use a food processor or box grater to finely grate the mozzarella and cauliflower.
• Add grated mixture to a large mixing bowl; add all remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. If you feel the mixture is a little sticky, add more breadcrumbs to adjust the consistency.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a scoop or your hands to shape similar-sized balls from the mixture, then transfer them to the baking sheet.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 192cal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 890mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 2mg

Originally published July 2022, updated and republished January 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Cheesy Cauliflower Bites (Baked Cauli Balls Recipe) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

I remember watching episodes of Giada at Home when munchkin was a baby. I would hear her talk about her daughter and speak of how she would try so many things and she was loving vegetables. I was hoping I would be as lucky. I wished that my Munchkin would love broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, brussell sprouts and seafood (my early struggles) and I was pretty encouraged when she loved the homemade baby foods I made her. She loved the peas! Yeah! Success. Then came the green beans (vehemently hated the beans) I could get her to eat broccoli with cheese sauce (minor success).

Now she is 2, she may be picking up on her daddy’s picky palate. She has refused most vegetables, with the exception of corn, cucumbers, peas and broccoli with cheese sauce. I can not tell you how often we have eaten those veggies. I am tired of the struggle and tired of peas and broccoli so often. So, I put my foot down. I am going to figure out how to get more vegetables in her diet.

I am so excited to say that Potato Cauliflower Mash was a complete success. She loves this dish so much, I eventually have to cut her off! That makes me truly happy.  Score!!!  One point for Mommy!

This is a fabulous dish and it tastes and feels (texture) just like mashed potatoes.  The braising of the cauliflower really makes a difference.  I will be making these again for sure.  Next time I will cut down the potatoes and see how that goes.

Recipe from Chef John Mitzewich

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Potato and Cauliflower Mash

Potato and Cauliflower Mash

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 176cal

Author Donna Elick

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower
• 3-4 medium russet potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt plus more for potato water
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper to taste

Instructions

• Peel russet potatoes and cut them in half lengthwise Place them in a large pot, covering the potatoes with water add salt to the water, boil until tender.
• Cut the florets off the cauliflower head by turning it upside down, and take your knife and go around the center core and cut through all those branches. All the florets will come right off. If there are any big pieces cut them in half.
• Place the cauliflower in a medium saucepan, over medium heat add butter and salt. Cover the pan. Stir every 5 minutes until it’s fork tender.
• Once the cauliflower is done remove the cover and turn heat to high. When most of the liquid is gone, turn it off, and add pepper.
• Mash cauliflower with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. I mashed mine very fine. Add potatoes to the cauliflower, and mash well until desired consistency is reached. Add milk, mash mixture to combine, sprinkle with your favorite herb (chives or parsley are great) and serve!

Notes

Recipe from Chef John Mitzewich

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 176cal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 482mg | Sugar: 2g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Potato and Cauliflower Mash appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.