Combine the goodness of cauliflower, turmeric, garlic and an air fryer, you get these delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks. Super easy and ready in just 15 minutes. These crispy yet tender bites make an excellent plant based entree. Packed with all the flavors and textures, simply yum!!!
There is no denying that we at Belly Rules The Mind, simply love cauliflower. Simply because it's so nutritious and is such a versatile vegetable. Not everyone might like Broccoli, but cauliflower is one crusiferous vegetable not many people will complain. Just one cup of cauliflower can yield so many health benefits.
- Packed with phytonutrients, vitamins, anti-inflammatory compounds and lots of fiber.
- While cauliflower does contain some protein, it's technically considered a carbohydrate since it's a plant derived food.
- Low carb and keto-friendly? Yes, it's great for folks following a low-carb diet as it contains a small amount of carbs but is high in fiber.
- While it's low-carb it's great to boost you Vitamin C count, just one cup yields 77% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C
In short it's great for everybody, that's the reason we have so many cauliflower recipes on the blog. You can find them here.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
My go-to vegan steak recipe when I have attend a BBQ party. Recently we were invited by a German family at their house for a BBQ party. Since they take their steak seriously, I offered that I will bring in my own vegan steak if they didn't mind.
BBQ parties here are very different from the US. There is a lot of serious charcoal grilling followed by a sit down dinner. No paper plates or disposable cutlery. If one doesn't have enough cutlery for the crowd, no one takes offense in bring in their own. The menu is so different from too, no burgers and buns and corn and chips and salsa. None of that.
So I had made these cauliflower steaks a couple times in the US and decided to take these for the BBQ with me along with my Air Fryer. Ya, everyone was fine with it as I didn't want to share the same grilling space.
These Cauliflower steaks are perfectly crispy on the outside but soft and tender on the inside. Packed with lots of flavors and goodness from the turmeric, garlic, paprika & lime juice. Sure to impress even the meat lovers. I marinated and took a few extra pieces for the crowd and they loved it.
How do you cut cauliflower steak?
Obviously thoroughly wash the cauliflower before you use it.
Trim the leaves and the bottom stem of the cauliflower, leaving the core intact.
First cut through the center of the cauliflower head to make sure the florets are intact.
Then cut thick, 1 inch slices.
Do not throw away the disintegrated florets instead use them to make cauliflower rice or soup.
Cauliflower Steak Marinade Ingredients
A lot of the flavor inspiration for me comes from my Indian roots, so I used a lot of turmeric and garlic in my cooking, like the Turmeric Lemon Rice or Yellow Turmeric and Pomegranate rice.The flavors complement very well plus both are good for the body. So I made a marinade using turmeric, grated garlic, paprika, salt and some lime juice. Since Air Frying eliminates 80 % of the oil otherwise I literally use 1 table spoon of oil to make my marinate and spreads in on the steaks.
If I have the time, I let the steaks marinate for an hour before I cook them or else I have cooked them even without letting them sit for an hour.
If you are not a fan of turmeric or garlic, feel free to use your favorite herbs to the marinate.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower Steaks
Although these Cauliflower steaks can be grilled or roasted in the oven (400 degrees F for 25 minutes) I like that I can carry my Air Fryer (used for vegetarian only) and these come out perfectly cooked.
Once you have cut the steaks and marinated them as per the instructions above.
It's time to preheat your Air Fryer at 350 degrees F.
Layer the steaks in a single layer in the inner basket of the Air Fryer. Air fry them for 15 minutes at 375 degrees F flipping them in between. Time and temperature might slightly vary depending on the Air Fryer brand you are using.
How to Air Fry Cauliflower Steaks in an Instant Pot using an Air Fryer Lid
After marinating the steaks. Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cover the lid and Air Fry them for 15-20 minutes at 350 F. Flip the steaks half way through using a tong and cook until tender and crisp.
What to serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
I enjoy my cauliflower steaks with either my all time favorite Avocado Cilantro Dressing or even drizzle the curry that I made with my Indian Masala Sauce that I used to dress my Instant Pot Whole Roasted Cauliflower. However lately I am enjoying Tahini a whole lot, so this time I paired quinoa cooked in the Instant Pot, tahini, cranberries and some fresh green cilantro. You could also serve it with Lemon Herb Rice instead of quinoa.
Can I freeze Air Fried Cauliflower Steaks?
If you have an abundant supply of cauliflower, yes you can freeze them. typically you blanch the vegetable before freezing it as it kills the bacteria if any, but you can freeze the cauliflower without blanching too. Just make sure you wash it in warm water and apple cider vinegar thoroughly before using it.
I hope you consider trying these Cauliflower Steak in your Air Fryer. Don't forget to share your flavor inspiration or how did you dress them up. Take a picture and send it our way on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Instant Pot Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Indian Masala Sauce
- Korean Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
- Cauliflower Soup
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice Bowl
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Apple Chips
- Plantain / Banana Chips
- Mexican Street Corn
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Vegan Fried Okra (Kurkuri Bhindi)
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 steaks
- Diet: VeganDiet
Description
Combine the goodness of cauliflower, turmeric, garlic and an air fryer, you get these delicious Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks. Super easy and ready in just 15 minutes. These crispy yet tender bites make an excellent plant based entree. Packed with all the flavors and textures, simply yum!!!
Ingredients
Cauliflower Steak
- 1 cauliflower head
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or grated (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the plate
- 2 tablespoon dried, unsweetened cranberries
- 2 tablespoon tahini
- fresh cilantro or parsley
- cooked quinoa
Cooking Quinoa in Instant Pot
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1.25 cups water
Instructions
How to Cut Cauliflower Steaks
- Thoroughly wash the cauliflower.
- Trim the leaves and the bottom stem of the cauliflower, leaving the core intact.
- First cut through the center of the cauliflower head to make sure the florets are intact.
- Then cut thick, 1 inch slices.
- Do not throw away the disintegrated florets instead use them to make cauliflower rice or soup.
Marination
- In a bowl toss in the oil, turmeric, paprika, garlic, salt and lime juice. Mix well. Spread the mixture on the steaks and let them sit for an hour if you have the time. If not they are good to go in the fryer too.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat your Air Fryer at 350 degrees F.
- Layer the steaks in a single layer in the inner basket of the Air Fryer.
- Air fry them for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F flipping them in between. Time and temperature might slightly vary depending on the Air Fryer brand you are using.
Instant Pot with Air Fryer Lid Instructions
After marinating the steaks. Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cover the lid and Air Fry them for 15-20 minutes at 350 F. Flip the steaks half way through using a tong and cook until tender and crisp.
Roasting in Oven Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 400 degrees F
- Place steaks on a bare or parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20-15 minutes
Instant Pot Quinoa
- Toss in the quinoa and water in the inner pot.
- Close the lid and seal the vent.
- Pressure cook on high for 1 minute.
- Allow pressure to naturally release
- Fluff quinoa with a fork.
- Serve in a bowl
Plating
- Scoop the cooked quinoa on a plate.
- Arrange the cauliflower steaks above the quinoa or on the side.
- Drizzle the Tahini.
- Garnish with cranberries and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Notes
All notes are mentioned in the post above.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Additional Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
