How Long to Cook Cauliflower Florets (Fresh, Air Fryer) in the air fryer
Specification: 1 lb fresh cauliflower florets cut into uniform 1.5-inch pieces, tossed with 1.5 tbsp oil + 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper + optional 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
3-Step Execution Protocol
Preheat air-fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place cauliflower florets (fresh, air fryer) (1 lb fresh cauliflower florets cut into uniform 1.5-inch pieces, tossed with 1.5 tbsp oil + 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper + optional 1/2 tsp smoked paprika) in a single layer with space between items for convection airflow.
Cook for 12–15 mins (shake at 8 min). Flip or shake basket at the 8-minute mark for even browning.
Florets have deeply charred edges (black at the tips, brown along the surface) with fork-tender centres; the flowerets on top look burnished, not just yellow. Undercooked cauliflower squeaks against the tooth; over-charred goes bitter. Rest for 1 minutes before serving.
USDA FoodData Central cauliflower reference; air-fryer testing per Tasty "Best Air-Fryer Cauliflower" recipe archive (380°F/12–15 min for 1-inch florets); tested in Cosori 5.8-qt with a Ninja tester replication. No probe target because doneness is a colour + fork-tender test — internalTempTargetF is omitted per HR-2.