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If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to jazz up fresh cauliflower, this Air Fryer Cauliflower Parmesan recipe is for you! It’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it a great option for a quick side dish or even a light main course. The best part? You only need a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer to make it happen.
Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes.
- Healthy and Tasty: Packed with vegetables but covered in gooey cheese—what’s not to love?
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in the air fryer means less mess in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 medium fresh cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cauliflower
Start by washing and drying your cauliflower florets. Toss them in a bowl with melted butter, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

2. Air Fry the Cauliflower
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and golden brown.

3. Add the Marinara and Cheese
Carefully remove the basket and spoon marinara sauce over each piece of cauliflower. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.

4. Finish Cooking
Pop the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the cauliflower to a serving plate, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Parmesan
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying your cauliflower florets. Toss them in a bowl with melted butter, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and golden brown.
- Carefully remove the basket and spoon marinara sauce over each piece of cauliflower. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Pop the basket back into the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a serving plate, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
- For a spicy twist, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the marinara sauce before adding the cheese.
- If you don’t have shredded mozzarella, feel free to use a mozzarella-parmesan blend or any melty cheese you have on hand.
- Want extra crispy cauliflower? Spray a little cooking oil over the florets before air frying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Cauliflower Parmesan checks all the boxes for me. It’s easy, quick, and lets me use up fresh veggies in a way my whole family enjoys. My kids, who sometimes wrinkle their noses at cauliflower, gobble this up like it’s pizza night. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, which I always appreciate.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how you like it! While you’re here – make sure you check out my recipe collection for more easy meal ideas!
