Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower
Ready in just 20 minutes, this Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower is tossed in cheese and spices, cauliflower florets are air fried to golden perfection for a savory, satisfying side and healthy snack.
For another air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Zucchini and Garlic Parmesan Potatoes next!
I’ve made baked cauliflower with cheese and roasted garlic cauliflower, but this next recipe might just top them all: Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower!
It’s incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and a fun way to get more veggies on the table, even for picky eaters. After all, cheese has a magical way of making everything better.
This low-carb, high-flavor dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s quick, customizable, and makes amazing leftovers. A perfect go-to for busy weeknights!
It’s low in carbs, high on flavor, and done short on time. Basically, it’s a win-win in my book, especially when you’ve got a busy night planned.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower
You likely already have most of these simple ingredients in your pantry or fridge. They come together to create a deliciously cheesy and savory cauliflower dish:
Here’s what you will need to gather:
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower
This air fryer method delivers perfectly roasted cauliflower with golden, bubbly cheese in just minutes. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for a tasty side dish or healthy snack.
Here’s how to make this gooey cauliflower:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Place cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 7 minutes; remove the basket and shake. Sprinkle with shredded cheeses and return to the air fryer for 3–5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and the cauliflower is tender.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
How to Cut Cauliflower:
Cutting cauliflower may seem a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s so easy. Removes the leaves and wash and pat dry the head of cauliflower. Using a sharp knife, cut off the stem and then slice the head in half. Slice into large florets with a knife or use your hands to pull off the florets. You can then cut them into small florets, if needed.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?
Absolutely! I would use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe. However, there is no need to thaw the cauliflower. Just add the oil and seasonings and then cook.
Is This Air Fryer Cauliflower with Cheesy Healthy?
It’s on the healthier side, due to cauliflower being high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. This recipe also uses less oil than oven version would.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, use this cheesy cauliflower recipe instead.
How to Store This Crispy Cauliflower?
Let the cauliflower come to room temperature and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve with This Side Dish?
This air fryer cauliflower with no breading is perfect to serve alongside sandwiches, salads, and burgers. I also love serving it with:
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken Legs
- Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
- Honey Balsamic Chicken
- Maple Soy Glazed Salmon
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheesy Cauliflower
- Cut florets evenly: Try to chop the cauliflower into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and get that golden, crispy texture on all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give your florets some space! Cooking in a single layer helps everything crisp up instead of steam. Work in batches if needed.
- Mix up the cheese: Mozzarella is melty and mild, but try swapping in some pepper jack or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.
- Season to your liking: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or even chili flakes before air frying to kick the flavor up a notch.
- Toss halfway through: Gently shake or stir the cauliflower about halfway through cooking to make sure all sides get nice and crispy.
- Add herbs for a fresh touch: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Try a zesty finish: A quick squeeze of lemon juice over the top adds a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy cauliflower.
Looking for More Easy Side Dish Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Corn Souffle
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Easy Fried Rice
- Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- Caprese Grilled Cheese
Air Fryer Cheesy Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large head fresh cauliflower, (separated into florets)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Place cauliflower florets into a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat, making sure each piece is covered. Spread cauliflower in an even, single layer in air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 7 minutes; remove basket and shake. Then top cauliflower with shredded cheeses. Continue to air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and cauliflower is cooked through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Recipe was made using my 5.8 QT Air Fryer.
- I like to use this air fryer parchment paper to avoid having too much cleanup. If using for this cauliflower, place directly onto the basket surface right before adding the cauliflower.
- Recipe was adapted from my Baked Cheesy Cauliflower.
