This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Make this easy Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower in under 20 minutes! It’s a healthy, low-carb side with crispy edges, cheesy Parmesan flavor, and zero oven time—perfect for clean eating or busy weeknights.
Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower
Let’s be real: air fryer cauliflower isn’t going to crunch like a potato chip. But this version? It’s got those rich, savory flavors with perfectly caramelized edges and just enough crispiness to keep you coming back for more. The Parmesan creates a golden, salty crust (no breadcrumbs needed!), and the florets stay tender—never mushy.
What makes this dish so special is how effortlessly it turns a simple veggie into something everyone wants to eat. It’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast—whether it’s served alongside a weeknight Chicken Dijon, Baked Pork Chops, Pan Seared Salmon or snuck straight from the air fryer basket. And trust me, it’s passed the ultimate test: my kid, who usually avoids vegetables like they’re on a timeout, actually eats these without any convincing. Be sure to check out my video guide below to see just how easy it is to make this air fryer cheesy cauliflower—and how delicious it turns out!
Add This Easy Side To Your Meal Rotation
Say goodbye to bland, soggy cauliflower. This air fryer recipe turns it into tender, Parmesan-coated florets with caramelized edges—without the long roasting time in the oven. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Cheesy perfection. Freshly grated Parmesan creates a crisp, savory coating with every bite.
- Healthy and satisfying. Low-carb, high in fiber, and surprisingly delicious—it’s a veggie dish you’ll actually crave!
- Versatile. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or salad topper—great for meal prepping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cauliflower
- Grated Parmesan cheese – For the best flavor, get pre-grated Parmesan from the supermarket. Don’t use the Kraft one in a bottle—it doesn’t taste as good. If you have a block of Parmesan, you can grate it yourself with a microplane.
For all the details on each ingredient, be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Pro Tip #1: Olive Oil Helps With Crispiness
Olive oil is crucial for getting those crispy edges. It adds a bit of richness while allowing the cauliflower to roast perfectly in the air fryer without drying out.
Pro Tip #2: A Scant Amount of Salt
A “scant” amount of salt is all you need—just a light sprinkle to enhance the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the cauliflower and the salty Parmesan.
How To Make Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Grab a big bowl and toss in those cauliflower florets. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle in the salt, a bit of black pepper, and the Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good mix so that every piece gets coated evenly with that cheesy goodness.
Now, take the cauliflower and spread it out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it—this helps everything cook evenly. Set the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and air fry it for about 8 minutes. You’ll start to smell that golden goodness cooking!
Give the basket a shake and flip the cauliflower over gently. Air fry for another 2–4 minutes until the edges are golden and slightly crisped up. You’ll see those caramelized bits starting to form—just perfect!
Once the cauliflower is done, plate it up and drizzle any of the tasty dripping from the air fryer basket over the top for extra flavor. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, I don’t recommend it. Even if you thaw and pat it dry, frozen cauliflower still holds extra moisture. That makes it harder to get those toasty, golden edges—and you’ll end up with steamed, soggy florets instead.
Shake or flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking. If your air fryer runs hot, lower the temp slightly or check it early.
This is best fresh out of the air fryer. If you need to reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back some of that texture. Avoid microwaving—it’ll just turn soft.
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
This recipe is 158 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 350 g cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, scant
- ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped parsley or chives, for garnishing, optional.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Transfer the cauliflower to your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8 minutes.
- Shake the basket and gently flip the cauliflower, then air fry for another 2–4 minutes, until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Plate the cauliflower and drizzle any dripping from the air fryer basket over the top, if you like. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
