Tender air fryer frozen cauliflower with crispy, crunchy edges is a simple veggie side that packs a flavor punch. And it only takes about 15 minutes to make it!
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I'm back again with another frozen vegetable recipe! This time, I'm sharing my method for making simple air fryer frozen cauliflower.
This is actually a frozen veggie side that I've been making for years, and I'm so glad to finally be sharing it with you.
Air fryer frozen cauliflower is a great side dish but it's also great in salads, bowl meals, and tacos. It's so delicious and versatile!
Ingredients and substitutions
- frozen cauliflower - That's what we're cooking!
- olive oil - This helps the cauliflower get nice and browned and crisp on the edges.
- garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika - To season the cauliflower. You can use chili powder instead of paprika, if needed.
- salt - That little bit of salt works with the oil to help the edges get crisp.
- cornstarch - Helps the spices stick. You can use potato or tapioca starch instead, if needed.
- lime juice - For finishing. A little acid really brings out the flavors! You can use lemon juice, if you prefer.
How to make air fryer frozen cauliflower
In a bowl, toss together the cauliflower and oil. Mix together the spices, salt, and cornstarch, and sprinkle those all over the cauliflower. Toss again to coat really well.
Place the cauliflower into your air fryer basket, making sure to spread out the florets as much as possible, and air fry for 8 to 15 minutes at 400° F. Shake the basket about every 6 minutes minutes and check in on the progress.
Your cauliflower is done roasting when it's tender with some crisp edges. Large florets might even need a few extra minutes, so just keep going until they start to get a little bit browned on some of the edges.
Transfer to your serving dish and toss with the lime juice.
Helpful tips
- When you put the cauliflower into the air fryer basket, make sure that you're not overfilling the basket. You want the excess liquid from freezing to have space to evaporate.
- Shaking the basket helps the cauliflower air fry evenly, so don't skip the shake! It's also a good chance to check it for doneness.
- The size of your frozen cauliflower florets and your specific air fryer can alter the cooking time, so keep an eye on the cauliflower the first time you make this. Larger florets take longer to cook, but some air fryers get hotter than others, so it really all just depends on your situation.
Storage directions
Leftovers will keep for three to five days in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
As long as you can fit that much cauliflower into your air fryer basket without overfilling, you can double the recipe or even triple it.
More frozen vegetable recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen cauliflower florets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - or chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss together the cauliflower and oil. Mix together the spices, salt, and cornstarch, and sprinkle those all over the cauliflower. Toss again to coat really well.
- Place the cauliflower into your air fryer basket, making sure to spread out the florets as much as possible, and air fry for 8 to 15 minutes at 400° F. Shake the basket about every 6 minutes minutes and check in on the progress. Your cauliflower is done roasting when it's tender with some crisp edges. Large florets might even need a few extra minutes, so just keep going until they start to get a little bit browned on some of the edges.
- Transfer to your serving dish and toss with the lime juice.
Got a question? Tried this recipe? Leave a reply!