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Golden crispy roasted cauliflower florets garnished with fresh parsley, served with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Zesty Lemon Pepper Cauliflower: Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Edition

This air fryer recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a remarkably crispy, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful side dish or snack with bright lemon and savory pepper notes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head Cauliflower about 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch florets
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning good quality
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt adjust to taste, lemon pepper often contains salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper optional, for extra kick
  • 1/2 Lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Zester
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly. Pat it very dry with paper towels – this is crucial for crispiness. Cut the cauliflower into uniform 1-inch florets, trying to keep them similar in size for even cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper (if using). Toss thoroughly with your hands or tongs until all the florets are evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that initial crispness and prevents sticking.
  4. Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in two or three batches if necessary to ensure even crisping. Overcrowding will steam the cauliflower instead of crisping it.
  5. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 6-7 minutes to ensure all sides get crispy and browned. The cauliflower should be tender on the inside and deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  6. Once cooked, transfer the crispy cauliflower to a serving dish. Immediately zest the fresh lemon over the hot cauliflower and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Don't skip drying the cauliflower: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness in an air fryer. Don't overcrowd the basket: This is the most common mistake with air frying vegetables. Cook in batches for best results. Adjust seasoning: Taste a small piece once cooked and adjust salt or lemon pepper if needed. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp.