Cauliflower cooking times
How long to cook cauliflower: 5–7 min boiled, 6–8 min steamed, 4–6 min in the microwave and 20–30 min in the oven at 220°C (200°C fan). Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook cauliflower
Times are for 1 medium head (about 700 g), cut into florets, for 4.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Florets | 5–7 min | in boiling salted water | Drain well and let it steam dry. |
| Steam Florets | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| Microwave Florets | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| Oven Florets | 20–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spices and spread out; turn halfway. |
| Oven Whole | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Simmer the whole head for 5 minutes first, then rub with oil or butter and roast until a knife slides into the middle. |
| Air fryer Florets | 10–14 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Deep-fry Battered florets | 3–4 min | oil at 180°C (350°F) | In a light batter, in batches. |
Before you start
Cut into even florets. The leaves are good roasted too.
How to tell it’s done
A knife goes into a floret with a little resistance. For cauliflower cheese, cook it slightly underdone: it finishes in the oven.
Questions
How long to boil cauliflower?
Florets: 5–7 min in boiling salted water. Drain well and let it steam dry.
How long to steam cauliflower?
Florets: 6–8 min over simmering water.
How long to microwave cauliflower?
Florets: 4–6 min on full power, covered. With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway.
How long to cook cauliflower in the oven?
Florets: 20–30 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Toss in oil and spices and spread out; turn halfway. Whole: 45 min to 1 h at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Simmer the whole head for 5 minutes first, then rub with oil or butter and roast until a knife slides into the middle.
How long to cook cauliflower in an air fryer?
Florets: 10–14 min at 200°C (400°F). Toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to deep-fry cauliflower?
Battered florets: 3–4 min in oil at 180°C (350°F). In a light batter, in batches.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.