The exact cook time can vary. Read below for our tips!
If you’re looking for a tasty and flavorful vegetarian dinner option, you should give air fryer cauliflower steaks a try.
Seasoned with a few spices and some oil, these steaks come out lightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! And they taste even better with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
You can serve these cauliflower steaks with all kinds of side dishes, such as mashes potatoes, rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and/or salad!
Ingredients
To make this recipe for cauliflower steaks in the air fryer, here are the ingredients that you will need:
- Cauliflower – Use a fresh, large head of cauliflower with compact, unblemished florets.
- Olive oil – Helps the cauliflower crisp up and adds flavor. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
- Granulated garlic – Or garlic powder; to add some garlic flavor.
- Paprika – For extra flavor and color. We use sweet paprika, but you can use hot paprika or smoked paprika if you prefer.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Black pepper – For a hint of spice.
- Turmeric – Adds a warm, earthy flavor and extra color; feel free to omit it if you don’t like turmeric.
- Parmesan cheese – For extra flavor; you can also use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a head of cauliflower that is suitable to be cut into steaks – preferably a fresh, large head with compact florets and no blemishes.
- Cut the steaks into uniform slices so they cook evenly.
- You can cut the rest of the cauliflower into smaller pieces, toss in some of the leftover marinade, and air fry when the steaks are done.
- Be sure to place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer in a single layer. If they overlap, they may not cook evenly.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cauliflower steaks, your air fryer, and personal preference.
Step by Step Instructions
This section of the post will show you exactly how to make air fryer cauliflower steaks. We’ve included the process photos so that you can follow along at home.
Otherwise, you can skip to the bottom of the post where you will find the detailed recipe card.
First, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until it indicates that it is preheated.
Meanwhile, cut the cauliflower head into steaks, about 1 inch thick. You will probably get two intact steaks from the center of the head.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, paprika, black pepper, and turmeric (optional).
Using a silicone brush, brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the oil and spice mixture.
Next, arrange the cauliflower steaks in the preheated air fryer basket. They should not overlap.
Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then carefully flip them over and sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.
Air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender and crisp. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the cauliflower steaks, your air fryer, and personal preference.
Serve the cauliflower steaks warm with fresh herbs and side dishes of your choice. You can also sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, let them cool and then store them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Cauliflower and moisture do not mix well, so the steaks will become softer over time. That’s why we’d recommend eating them sooner rather than later.
You can reheat the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer to draw out some of the moisture and regain some crispiness.
Of course, you can also reheat them in the oven or a pan on the stove with a little bit of oil.
Related Recipes
If you liked these cauliflower steaks, here are some other vegetarian air fryer recipes that you may enjoy:
- Cabbage Steaks in the Air Fryer
- Air Fried Stuffed Eggplant
- Spaghetti Squash Fritters in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Air Fryer Combo
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/3 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated; more to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until it indicates that it is preheated.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, and spices. Cut the cauliflower head into steaks, about 1 inch thick. You will probably get two intact steaks from the center of the head.1 head cauliflower, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/3 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Using a silicone brush, coat both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the oil and spice mixture.
- Arrange the cauliflower steaks in the preheated air fryer basket. They should not overlap.
- Cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then carefully flip them over and sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese. Air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender and crisp. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. The exact cooking time can vary.1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- Serve the cauliflower steaks warm with fresh, chopped herbs, some more grated Parmesan cheese (optional), and side dishes of your choice.
Notes
- Choose a head of cauliflower that is suitable to be cut into steaks – preferably a fresh, large head with compact florets and no blemishes.
- Cut the steaks into uniform slices so they cook evenly.
- You can cut the rest of the cauliflower into smaller pieces, toss in some of the leftover marinade, and air fry when the steaks are done.
- Be sure to place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer in a single layer. If they overlap, they may not cook evenly.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cauliflower steaks, your air fryer, and personal preference.
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
So easy and so tasty.
Glad you like it Roy!