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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air Fryer Cauliflower

The dipping sauce deserves its own recipe card.

By Leah PerezPublished: Sep 4, 2025
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the pioneer woman's air fryer cauliflower
Stacy K. Allen
Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Video poster

Forget everything you thought you knew about cauliflower. This sizzling, smoky, dippable version will completely change your mind. Tossed in a bold blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, the florets turn crisp and golden in the air fryer, making them the kind of snack or side dish that disappears in minutes. And the remoulade-inspired dipping sauce really takes things over the top. It's creamy and tangy with just the right amount of zip. You'll want to keep a jar on hand at all times to serve with other roasted or raw vegetables, spread burgers or crab cakes, or stir it into potato salad instead of plain mayonnaise. There are so many ways to enjoy cauliflower, but this is the one that will finally win everyone over.

Make your air fryer a permanent fixture on your kitchen counter with these other irresistible air fryer recipes.

How do you cut cauliflower into florets?

Start by removing the leaves from the cauliflower head. Then cut the head in half through the stem and cut out the core from each half. Once the core is gone, it's easy to break or cut the cauliflower into pieces. Aim for florets that are roughly 1½ inches wide and 2 inches long so they cook evenly and can be eaten in one bite.

What oil do you use to air fry cauliflower?

This recipe calls for olive oil for its rich flavor that complements roasted vegetables. But you can also use vegetable, canola, avocado, sunflower, or peanut oil. Whatever you do, don't skip tossing the cauliflower in some kind of fat. It helps the spices adhere to the florets, and encourages browning so they turn golden, crisp, and slightly charred.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 3/4 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cayenne (optional)
  • Grated zest and juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets 
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. country dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. capers
  • 1 tsp. hot sauce
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Directions

    1. Step 1Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 375˚F, if required.
    2. Step 2In a small bowl, whisk together the cumin, 1½ teaspoons of the garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons of the smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and the cayenne, if using. Stir in half the lemon zest.
    3. Step 3In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and toss to coat.
    4. Step 4Working in batches if necessary, spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook until the cauliflower is tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the cauliflower halfway through.
    5. Step 5Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, capers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, green onion, half the lemon juice, and the remaining lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
    6. Step 6Sprinkle the cauliflower with the remaining lemon juice and serve with the sauce.

Love This Recipe? Try One Of These Next!

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  • Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
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  • Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
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