Air Fryer Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Name: Air Fryer Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower; ½ stick salted butter ((4 tablespoons)); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika

This whole roasted cauliflower has a rich, nutty flavor and it's effortlessly cooked to crispy perfection in your air fryer with this simple, low-carb, and deliciously healthy recipe.

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An air fryer whole roasted cauliflower served on a white plate with a slice cut out of it.

This Air Fryer Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect easy and healthy side dish to pair with any meat, fish, or vegetarian main course. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, this dish offers a healthier twist to the classic roasted cauliflower, all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your air fryer.

An air fried whole cauliflower on white plate, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Roasting a whole head of cauliflower in an air fryer is incredibly simple. It’s a perfect veggie side dish and you only need a handful of pantry staples to prepare it: a whole head of cauliflower, butter, and seasonings. It requires very little prep time, and once the cauliflower is in the air fryer, it’s a hands-off cooking process, freeing you to focus on other tasks.

As the cauliflower roasts in the air fryer, it develops an irresistibly rich and nutty flavor. The high-heat cooking method results in a crispy exterior, while the inside remains tender and juicy. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the outcome is truly delicious, with a savory blend of garlic and paprika enhancing the natural flavors of the cauliflower.

This recipe is also very adaptable, allowing you to modify it based on your personal preferences. Experimenting with additional spices, herbs, or even a drizzle of olive oil before air frying can bring your own twist to this dish.

Make sure to try also these Cheesy Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks and this Lime and Coconut Cauliflower Rice too!

Why you will love this recipe!

Quick and easy: It takes only a couple of steps to prep this whole cauliflower, then the air fryer will do all of the hard work.
Simple Ingredients: You only need 5 ingredients to make this recipe and most of them are pantry staples.
Dietary info: This air fried cauliflower recipe is low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s low in fat and calories making it a great healthy side dish. It also contains a good amount of fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

A whole roasted cauliflower cut into quarters on a plate.

Ingredients

Cauliflower: Use a medium-large whole head of cauliflower. If it doesn’t fit in your air fryer basket, you can use a smaller one, or cut it in half and reduce the cooking time.
Butter: Use salted butter for the best result. You can also use unsalted butter, in that case, add some salt to the sauce to taste.
Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder and onion powder will enhance the flavor of cauliflower, making it an outstanding and flavorful side dish.

How to air fry a whole cauliflower

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Prepare the sauce by melting the butter and adding the seasonings. Prep the cauliflower. (photo 1).
Brush the sauce on the cauliflower head, coating it well (photo 2).
Air fry the cauliflower and brush again the sauce halfway through cooking (photo 3).

Three step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

Use different seasonings to customize this air fryer roasted cauliflower to your taste. You can add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or add cumin and turmeric for a more aromatic twist.

You can make it vegan and dairy free by using oil or plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cauliflower is fully cooked?

You can tell that the cauliflower is fully cooked when it becomes tender and the outside gets a nice golden-brown color. You can also test it by inserting a knife or a fork into the center of the cauliflower. If it goes in easily and the cauliflower feels tender, then it is done.

Can I add other spices or seasonings to the cauliflower before air frying?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices and seasonings. Some other spices that pair well with cauliflower include cumin, curry powder, turmeric, thyme, rosemary, and chili powder.

How can I incorporate this dish into a keto or low-carb diet?

This air fryer whole roasted cauliflower is an excellent option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. It’s a great substitute for starchy sides like potatoes or rice.

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer cauliflower recipe works so well with most protein main courses. Roasted meat, fish, and veggie dishes all go well with it. Try it with:

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating

The roasted whole cauliflower is best enjoyed straight away. But you can also make it in advance and keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days.

To reheat, bring it first to room temperature, then reheat it in the air fryer at 360F / 180C for about 5 minutes.

Recipe Notes and Tips

When prepping the cauliflower, make sure to remove all the outer leaves and trim the stem if needed.
Preheat your air fryer before adding the cauliflower, this will help it cook more evenly.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the cauliflower head and the specific model of your air fryer, so it’s important to keep an eye on it, especially the first time you make this recipe.

A piece of air fried roasted cauliflower.

This air fryer whole roasted cauliflower is a tasty way to enjoy a low-carb, vegetarian, and gluten-free side dish. Its simple preparation, combined with the flavorful and nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower, makes it a versatile and healthy addition to any meal.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Side Dishes

If you’ve tried this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below!