A fun way to serve cauliflower, these air fryer cauliflower steaks are tender in the center with crispy, caramelized edges. They’re vegan, low-carb, gluten-free and work beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or main for a plant-based meal.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables. Turning it into steaks in the air fryer is an elegant yet simple way to enjoy it. The air fryer circulates hot air to roast and crisp the florets quickly, giving excellent texture and flavor with minimal fuss.
These cauliflower steaks are seasoned with a straightforward marinade of oil, garlic, turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper, with fresh parsley and lemon to finish. The result is a flavorful, healthy dish that pairs well with grilled meats or serves proudly on a vegetarian plate. Add a dipping sauce or a sprinkle of cheese to adapt it to your taste.
Why We Love Cauliflower Steaks in the Air Fryer:
- Quick and easy — cooks in about 12 to 15 minutes
- Full of flavor with crisp edges and tender centers
- A healthy side dish or appetizer suitable for many diets
Ingredients and Notes
- Cauliflower – one medium or large head.
- Olive oil – or another neutral oil such as avocado or vegetable oil.
- Garlic powder
- Turmeric powder
- Paprika – regular or smoked.
- Salt – sea salt or kosher salt.
- Black pepper
- Parsley – chopped, for garnish.
- Lemon – wedges to serve.
- Parmesan cheese – optional, for finishing.
How To Cut Cauliflower Into Steaks
Choose a firm, blemish-free head of cauliflower. Remove the tough outer leaves and trim the stem if needed. Slice the head in half through the stem, then cut each half into 1-inch-thick slices. A medium head usually yields about 3–4 steaks; any small pieces or loose florets can be marinated and air fried alongside the steaks or reserved for another use.
How To Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Scroll below for the printable recipe card and exact ingredient measurements.
Place the cauliflower steaks on a cutting board. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, black pepper and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of each steak.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air to circulate. Air fry for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden and crisp and the center is fork-tender. Flip gently halfway through for even browning; brush with a little more oil if they appear dry. For more char, add a couple of extra minutes.
Serve warm with lemon wedges and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Best Tips
- Single layer: Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each steak room so hot air can circulate and crisp the edges. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Be gentle: Turn steaks carefully when flipping to avoid them falling apart. Smaller or more fragile steaks can be air fried with the florets instead.
How To Store And Reheat
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Refresh in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until heated through and crisp.
Seasoning Ideas
Cauliflower steaks take well to many seasonings. Try one of these variations:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan to the marinade for a savory, cheesy note.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder or extra smoked paprika for heat and smokiness.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar over the steaks at the end of cooking for a melty finish.
- Use Cajun, taco, or fajita seasoning to change the flavor profile.
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice to the marinade for extra brightness.
How To Serve Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak
- Alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken as a vegetable side.
- On their own as a vegetarian main, served with rice, quinoa or a grain salad.
- With spicy mayo, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce as an appetizer.
Common Questions
How long to cook cauliflower steak in the air fryer?
Air fry at 375–380°F for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness and how browned you like them. Flip halfway for even color.
What to do with extra cauliflower?
Marinate and air fry the florets alongside the steaks, or reserve them for cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower, soups, or curries.
How to cook cauliflower steak in the oven?
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place seasoned steaks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until fork-tender and golden.
More Cauliflower Recipes:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
- Cauliflower and Coconut Curry
- Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- lemon wedges to serve
- grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Remove outer leaves and trim the stem. Cut the head in half, then slice each half into 1-inch-thick steaks.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, salt, pepper and chopped parsley. Brush the mixture over both sides of each steak.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Place steaks in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry 12–15 minutes until golden and fork-tender, flipping gently halfway. Add extra oil or a few more minutes for more browning or charring.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges and optional grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.
- Seasoning ideas: add Parmesan to the marinade, sprinkle cheddar after cooking, or use Cajun/taco/fajita seasoning. Add citrus juice to the marinade for brightness.
- Save extra florets for cauliflower rice, soups, or other recipes.
Nutrition
| Total Carbs: 16 g
| Protein: 6 g
| Fat: 22 g