If you are wondering “how to make cauliflower steak in air fryer” this recipe for you. This air fryer cauliflower steak is one of my favorite easy recipes. It is ready in just 15 minutes and you only need a few simple ingredients.
The outside gets a little crispy and blistered texture, and the spices make it taste really good.
I make this recipe a lot at home because it is fast and healthy. You do not need a lot of oil and you do not need to spend much time with it. It is also vegan and gluten-free, so almost anyone can eat it.
I tried this recipe many times to find the best cook time and temperature. So if you follow the steps below, your cauliflower steaks will come out perfect every time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I have been using an air fryer for a long time now. Cauliflower steak is one of the best things I make in it. Here is why I love this recipe so much:
- Ready in 15 minutes: This recipe is very quick. It is great for days when you do not have much time to cook.
- Very few ingredients: You just need one cauliflower, a little oil, and some basic spices. You probably already have everything at home.
- Good for most diets — This recipe has no meat, no dairy, and no gluten. So it works for a lot of different people.
- Easy to change up — The spices I use are simple and tasty. But you can always add more or change them based on what you like.
One tip I always give, use a fresh and firm cauliflower. It holds its shape better and tastes much better after cooking. Also, always dry the steaks with a kitchen towel before air frying. This small step helps you get a nice roasted texture instead of a wet, soggy one.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak Ingredients
- Cauliflower: I used 1 whole head of cauliflower for this recipe. Try to choose a fresh and firm cauliflower because it is easier to cut into thick steaks without breaking. Keeping a little part of the stalk also helps the steaks stay together while cooking.
- Olive Oil: I used a little olive oil for coating the cauliflower steaks. You can also swap it with avocado oil or any light cooking oil, and it will work just fine. Oil helps the spices stick better and gives a nice roasted texture.
- Spices: I added paprika, turmeric powder, black pepper, and salt for simple flavor. You can always adjust the spices based on your taste preference. If you like spicy flavor, you can also add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
How To Make Cauliflower Steak in Air Fryer
1. First, remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower. Trim the bottom stalk evenly, but you can keep a little part of the stalk if you want because it helps hold the steaks together.
2. Now cut the cauliflower into 2 halves from the center. From each half, cut about 1-inch thick slices to make cauliflower steaks, as shown in the provided picture.
3. Wash the cauliflower steaks properly and pat them dry using a kitchen towel. Make sure there is no extra moisture.
4. Take a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, paprika, black pepper, and turmeric powder. Mix everything well.
5. Preheat the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
6. Place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket. Brush the spice mixture evenly on both sides and around the edges as well.
7. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes or until the edges look slightly golden and roasted or charred texture.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sauces or dips.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak
I have made this recipe many times and learned a few things along the way. These tips will help you get the best results every time.
- Always buy a fresh and firm cauliflower. A soft or old cauliflower will fall apart when you try to cut it into thick steaks. When you press it lightly, it should feel solid and hard.
- Cut the steaks at least 1 inch thick. If you cut them too thin, they will dry out in the air fryer and break apart easily. A thicker cut gives you a better texture.
- Keep a small stalk. The stalk is like a base that holds the steak together. If you cut it off completely, the florets will just fall apart while cooking.
- Dry the cauliflower. Extra water on the surface will make the cauliflower steam inside the air fryer instead of roasting. Use a kitchen towel and pat it dry properly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the steaks in a single layer with a little space between them. If you stack them or push them too close, the hot air cannot move around properly and the steaks will not roast well.
- Flip the steaks halfway through. I usually do not flip them because I like one side to be more roasted. But if you want both sides to look the same, flip them gently at around the 8-minute mark.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make Ahead: You can do some of the prep work ahead of time to save time later. Cut the cauliflower into steaks and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
When you are ready to cook, just dry them with a kitchen towel, apply the spice mix, and air fry. I do not recommend applying the spice mix too early because the salt will pull out moisture from the cauliflower and make it wet.
Storage: If you have leftover cauliflower steaks, let them cool down fully first. Then store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 days.
I do not recommend freezing them because the texture gets very soft after freezing and thawing.
Reheating: The best way to reheat cauliflower steak is back in the air fryer. Place the leftover steaks in the air fryer basket and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 4 to 5 minutes.
This brings back some of the crispiness. Avoid using a microwave if you can. It makes the cauliflower soft and a little soggy.
What to Serve With Cauliflower Steak
Cauliflower steak tastes great on its own but it is even better with a good dip or side. Here are some easy ways I like to serve it:
- Chutney: You can serve with varieties of sauces, dips, and chutney as per your taste preference. As far as chutney is concern I love to serve it with tomato ketchup & green cilantro chutney.
- As a side dish: It goes great next to rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. This makes it a full and balanced meal.
- In a wrap or flatbread: You can slice the cauliflower steak into smaller pieces and put it inside a wrap or flatbread with some greens and sauce. It makes a very filling lunch.
- On top of hummus: Spread a thick layer of hummus on a plate and place the cauliflower steak on top. Drizzle a little olive oil and add some fresh herbs. It looks great and tastes amazing. And of course you will feel something Mediterranean style food.
- With lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating adds a nice fresh flavor that goes really well with the smoky spices.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Aloo Bharta In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Namak Pare (Nimki)
- How to Roast Peanuts in Air Fryer
- Crispy Lentils Air Fryer (Easy Snack)
- Roasted Chickpeas Air Fryer Recipe
FAQs.
You can, but I do not recommend it. Oil helps the spices stick and gives a better roasted texture. Even a very thin layer makes a big difference.
No. Frozen cauliflower has too much water and will fall apart when you try to cut it into steaks. Always use a fresh whole cauliflower.
Yes. Preheating for 2 minutes gives a better roasted finish. If you skip it, the cooking time will also be a little longer.
The edges should look golden and slightly charred. Press the thickest part with a fork. If it goes in easily, it is ready.
How to Make Cauliflower Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- First, remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower. Trim the bottom stalk evenly, but you can keep a little part of the stalk if you want because it helps hold the steaks together.
- Now cut the cauliflower into 2 halves from the center. From each half, cut about 1-inch thick slices to make cauliflower steaks.
- Wash the cauliflower steaks properly and pat them dry using a kitchen towel. Make sure there is no extra moisture.
- Take a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, paprika, black pepper, and turmeric powder. Mix everything well.
- Preheat the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 2 minutes.
- Place the cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket. Brush the spice mixture evenly on both sides and around the edges as well.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes or until the edges look slightly golden and roasted or charred texture.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauces or dips.
Notes
- Cut the steaks at least 1 inch thick so they do not fall apart in the air fryer.
- Always pat the steaks dry before applying the spice mix. This helps you get a roasted texture, not a soggy one.
- Keep a small piece of the stalk when cutting. It holds the steak together during cooking.
- Every air fryer is a little different. Check your steaks at the 12-minute mark the first time you make this.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 4 to 5 minutes.