Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower is the simplest vegetable side dish. This recipe uses frozen cauliflower florets and the trusty air fryer. It could not be easier to make! Ready in minutes and low in dishes, this healthy side is great for any day of the week.
What is the best way to cook frozen cauliflower? In the air fryer! Cooking cauliflower in the air fryer could not be an easier process. Not only that but utilizing frozen cauliflower saves time and dishes. There is no need to chop or wash any produce. And {as a bonus} vegetables are frozen at the peak of freshness. Simply toss the florets in the seasonings and cook.
This air fryer frozen cauliflower is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The seasoning options, however, are endless. Thanks to the air fryer, the finished cauliflower is crispy and perfectly cooked in minutes.
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Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Side Dish
- Easy - Cooking frozen cauliflower in an air fryer is the easiest method. In 20-minutes time, the cauliflower is crispy and tender.
- Versatile - Cauliflower is a blank slate to flavor.
- One Tool - This recipe requires no other tools or dishes other than the air fryer.
- Other Air Fryer Vegetable Sides:
Ingredients
- Frozen Cauliflower - The beauty of this recipe is that it uses frozen cauliflower. There is no cutting or prepping required, which is why this recipe is so easy!
- Seasoning - Salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Olive Oil Spray - Or use your favorite type of cooking spray. I also like using avocado oil spray too.
Instructions
1 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if desired).
2 - Spray the basket with cooking spray.
3 - Add the cauliflower and spray with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle the seasonings over the cauliflower and shake the basket to coat.
4 - Cook the frozen cauliflower at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for 5 - 10 minutes more, until the desired cook is achieved.
Equipment
- Air-Fryer: This COSORI Air Fryer Max XL has a large basket perfect for making a variety of dishes (including this one).
Variations
- Add Cheese - Toss in shredded parmesan or cheddar.
- Play with Seasoning - Cauliflower is a blank slate. My favorite seasonings to pair with it include paprika, cumin, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and turmeric. Really, the options are endless!
Recipe Tips
FOR EASY CLEAN-UP - Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. It catches any mess that falls through the basket and makes cleaning a breeze.
Storing and Reheating
- STORE - Store cooled cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- REHEAT - While this vegetable side dish is best served immediately after cooking, it can be reheated for later meals. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350 - 400 F (depending on how quickly your air fryer cooks). Spray the cauliflower with cooking spray. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. *Or microwave cauliflower for 30 seconds - 1 minute, until heated through.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower
This simple cauliflower dish pairs with just about any savory option, especially as a side to proteins like chicken or pork. Drizzle the crispy florets with your favorite creamy dressing or sprinkle with cheese.
I enjoy serving it alongside the following dishes:
- Cracker-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
- Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Pesto Naan Pizzas
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
FAQ
While freezing cooked vegetables is not generally advised, it is possible. Cool the cooked cauliflower outside of the air fryer basket. Freeze the florets on a tray until frozen before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes, fresh or frozen cauliflower will work in this recipe. However, fresh and frozen florets have different cooking times.
Related Recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Frozen Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen cauliflower florets
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- If desired, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Add the cauliflower and spray with additional cooking spray. Sprinkle the seasonings over the cauliflower and shake the basket to coat.
- Cook the frozen cauliflower at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and cook for 5 - 10 minutes more, until the desired cook is achieved.
Nutrition
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