It’s no secret that the air fryer can produce some show-stopping dishes.
Between crispy chicken wings, mouth-watering fries, or bubbling streusel-topped desserts, there’s seriously no limit to the fantastic food that can be made in the air fryer.
The one thing people always forget about??? Vegetables!!
Vegetables can go from drab to fab in just a few minutes in the air fryer.
Cauliflower is no exception, and today we’re walking you through a one-of-a-kind keto-friendly and vegetarian side dish: Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower.
The best part, however, is how simple it is to make. Generally speaking, air-frying vegetables takes less than 10 minutes.
Now, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower Recipe
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
You’ll be shocked by how few ingredients are needed to make this addictingly-good cauliflower. You’ll need:
- Cauliflower
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- Black pepper
- Dry ranch seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley, for garnish, optional
Dry ranch seasoning can be found in the spices aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find it there, check in the dressings/condiments section.
Recipe Video
How to Cook Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Get ready, because in about 10 minutes or less, you will transform a humble pile of raw cauliflower to a gourmet side dish. Follow these five simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Slice the cauliflower head into florets.
Carefully cut the cauliflower into florets: Start by first washing the cauliflower and removing any leaves. Then, break off the smaller florets around the outside of the cauliflower before then cutting the middle section into smaller pieces.
Step 3: Season the florets.
Add the florets into a large mixing bowl, then season them generously with avocado oil, black pepper, ranch seasoning and parmesan cheese. Toss well until evenly coated.
Step 4: Air fry Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower for 6-8 minutes.
When the air fryer is preheated, add the cauliflower in a single layer and air fry for 3-4 minutes. After 3-4 minutes, toss the cauliflower and top with any additional parmesan cheese.
Continue to air fry until crisp and golden, about another 3-4 minutes.
While the cauliflower is cooking, finely chop the parsley and prepare some lemon slices for garnish.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy your Air Fried Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower!
When the cauliflower is cooked and golden, carefully transfer the cauliflower to a plate, sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.
To boost the flavor, you can also squeeze in some lemon juice.
We love this cauliflower all on its own, as a healthy snack or as a side dish to a nice piece of fish or chicken!
Feel free to play around with different flavor profiles and seasoning types—cauliflower is a delicious and versatile vegetable that is delicious in many different contexts!
All that’s left is for you to enjoy your freshly Air-Fried Ranch Parmesan Cauliflower!
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: Allow the cauliflower to cool completely before adding to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Fridge: Allow the Air Fried Ranch Parmensan Cauliflower to cool completely before adding to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: The fastest way to reheat the cauliflower is in the microwave for 45 sec-1 min 30 sec (if you don’t care about losing the crispness). To reheat in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) before adding the cauliflower pieces and cooking for 2-3 minutes or until reheated and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can air fry ranch Parmesan cauliflower. It’s one of the quickest methods to perfectly roast this side dish.
Cooking time for ranch Parmesan cauliflower in an air fryer typically ranges from 8-10 minutes at 380°F to 400°F.
To air fry ranch Parmesan cauliflower, first coat florets in a mixture of ranch and Parmesan. Then air fry at 380°F to 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- ½ cauliflower about 2 cups, stems removed and sliced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Please see note if your air fryer is 4 quarts or smaller.
- Slice the cauliflower head into florets. Begin by thoroughly washing the cauliflower and removing the leaves. Next, use a paring knife to trim off the florets, aiming for equal sizes as much as possible.
- Then, season the florets by coating them first with avocado or olive oil. Once the florets are fully coated, add freshly ground black pepper, dry ranch seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the florets until they are evenly combined with the seasonings.
- Air fry ranch Parmesan cauliflower for 6-8 minutes. Shake them halfway through for even cooking, and add any remaining Parmesan cheese. Cook until the florets are tender and golden brown. To test for doneness, use a fork to poke any florets. Once there's little resistance and the florets are cooked to your desired texture, they are ready to be served.
- Serve and enjoy the air-fried ranch Parmesan cauliflower hot as a delicious side dish or healthy snack. Optionally, you can sprinkle it with more grated Parmesan, garnish with parsley, and squeeze some lemon juice for added flavor.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For 4-quart air fryers and smaller, reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C). They generate more heat because of the heating element’s proximity to the food.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can your desired temperature and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.
- I used a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus to test the air fried Parmesan cauliflower recipe. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
- To test for doneness, poke the cauliflower with a fork. If it goes through easily and the cauliflower is tender, it is cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
- Al Dente – To achieve an al dente or crunchy texture, air fry the cauliflower for 6 to 8 minutes or until it becomes slightly tender and lightly browned.
- Roasted to Perfection – To achieve extra crispiness and a deeper flavor, cook the cauliflower for an additional 2-4 minutes until the florets are a deep golden brown. This will enhance the natural sweetness and make this already delicious side dish even more irresistible.
- Soft & Tender – If you want your cauliflower to be soft and tender, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before seasoning and air frying.
- Minimize Browning – Finally, if you want to minimize browning with your cruciferous vegetables, lower the heat to 350°F (177°C) and air fry them for 10-12 minutes.
Nutrition
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