Air-Fryer Cauliflower Steaks: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook cauliflower steaks, giving them a crispy exterior without drying them out. This method is also healthier than other cooking methods, and the steaks can be seasoned with a variety of spices and served with a range of sauces. They are a fun and tasty way to eat cauliflower and can be served as a main dish, side dish, or appetizer.

How to make cauliflower steaks in an air fryer:

Choosing the right cauliflower

Size:

Select a medium to large-sized cauliflower head. A larger cauliflower will yield more steaks, and you can get 3–5 steaks from a large head. However, don't go for a huge cauliflower; instead, choose one that is just slightly bigger than average.

Freshness:

Look for a cauliflower head that is fresh and firm with no signs of browning, bruising, or wilting. The florets should be tightly packed, ensuring they don't break off easily during handling and cooking.

Colour:

Opt for a cauliflower with a creamy white colour. Avoid any heads with discolouration or spots, as these may indicate spoilage.

Texture:

When gently squeezing the cauliflower, it should feel compact and dense. Avoid any heads that feel loose or have dry spots, as this may indicate that the cauliflower is past its prime.

Leaves:

Choose a cauliflower with vibrant green leaves that look fresh and crisp. Avoid heads with wilted or yellowing leaves, as this may indicate that the cauliflower is not fresh.

Scent:

Fresh cauliflower should have a mild, slightly nutty scent. If it has a strong or pungent odour, it may be past its prime.

Remember, the quality of the ingredients you choose will greatly impact the final taste and texture of your dish. By selecting the right cauliflower, you'll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering cauliflower steaks in your air fryer!

Preparing the marinade

Once you have your chosen ingredients, combine them in a small bowl and mix well until they form a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste preferences, and add or remove ingredients as you see fit. For example, you could add in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or some coriander powder for a unique flavour.

The marinade is then ready to be applied to the cauliflower steaks. Use a brush to coat both sides of the steaks generously with the marinade. You can let the steaks sit and marinate for a while, or cook them immediately.

Applying the marinade

When applying the marinade, it's important to ensure that the cauliflower steaks are well-coated. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, spices, and any additional ingredients such as lime juice or garlic powder to create a paste-like consistency. You can also add in other spices such as paprika, lemon juice, cumin powder, or coriander powder to enhance the flavour.

Use a silicone or pastry brush to generously apply the marinade to both sides of the cauliflower steaks. Make sure to get the marinade into all the florets and brush it all over so that you get nice crispy edges. You can let the cauliflower steaks marinate for a while, or cook them immediately.

If you want to add extra spices, such as Cajun seasoning, add them when mixing the marinade. Similarly, if you plan on drizzling a sauce like sriracha or sprinkling red pepper flakes, do so before air frying.

Cooking the steaks

Now that you've got your cauliflower sliced into steaks, it's time to cook them! Here's a step-by-step guide to getting that perfect golden brown finish:

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a small bowl, mix together your chosen oil, spices, and any other ingredients such as lime juice or garlic powder. Stir well to create a paste-like consistency. This is your marinade, which will give your cauliflower steaks a delicious flavour and a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Coat the cauliflower steaks

Using a silicone or pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each cauliflower steak with the marinade. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the florets so that every bite is packed with flavour.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 375°F and 425°F. Preheat for around 3-5 minutes, or according to your air fryer's instructions.

Step 4: Place the steaks in the air fryer

Arrange the cauliflower steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are flat and have a little room between them. This will ensure even cooking and help achieve that desired crispy texture.

Step 5: Cook the steaks

Cook the cauliflower steaks for around 10-15 minutes at the chosen temperature. For a more well-done steak, you can cook them for a little longer. Halfway through the cooking time, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the steaks.

Step 6: Check for doneness

After the allotted cooking time, check your cauliflower steaks to see if they are done to your liking. They should be golden brown and tender. You can use a fork to test for tenderness. If they need a little longer, put them back in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Once your cauliflower steaks are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them! These steaks make a delicious and healthy vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based dishes. You can serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, or as a main dish with a variety of sides. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

• As a side dish with a meaty main, such as roasted chicken or tandoori salmon.
• On a bed of lettuce for a savoury salad.
• On top of lentils or rice for a vegetarian meal.
• With a creamy dipping sauce, such as tahini sauce, parsley sauce, or paprika dip.
• With a spicy sauce, such as chimichurri or hummus.
• With a squeeze of lemon juice.
• With a meat-free gravy.
• With a white bean dip and a shirazi salad for a complete meal.
• With a garnish of chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.
• With other roasted vegetables, such as air fryer smashed potatoes or air fryer vegetables.

Frequently asked questions