# 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.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/cauliflower-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook cauliflower

Times are for 1 medium head (about 700 g), cut into florets, for 4.

Cauliflower: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) (Florets) | 5–7 min | in boiling salted water | Drain well and let it steam dry. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) (Florets) | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) (Florets) | 4–6 min | on full power, covered | With 3 tablespoons of water; stir halfway. |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (Florets) | 20–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spices and spread out; turn halfway. |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) (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](https://feastflow.co.uk/air-fryer-cooking-times) (Florets) | 10–14 min | 200°C (400°F) | Toss in a tablespoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| [Deep-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/deep-frying-times) (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 sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/