Here’s my recipe for spicy air fryer cauliflower steaks, perfect for anyone looking to add a healthy, flavourful dish to their repertoire. The cauliflower is seasoned with a blend of spices and roasted to perfection in just ten minutes. Using the air-fryer ensures that the cauliflower becomes tender on the inside. While the outside gets a perfectly crispy and spiced finish. This dish is a guilt-free, hearty vegetarian delight that works wonderfully as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of cauliflower – it can be an acquired taste – I recommend giving this recipe a try. The combination of spices and the air fryer’s quick cooking method transforms the cauliflower into a totally new experience. The crispy, exterior adds a delightful crunch, while the inside stays perfectly soft and tender. You might just find yourself enjoying cauliflower in a way you never expected!
I’m always looking for new ways to sneak more vegetables into our diet. And this recipe has quickly become one of my favourites. No longer will you be faced with soggy cauliflower that people push around their plates. Instead, these air fryer cauliflower steaks are snapped up quickly, and there’s never a leftover in sight. The air-fryer helps to retain most of the cauliflower’s nutritional value. Making this dish not only tasty but also packed with goodness.
Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables or just looking for a new, exciting way to prepare cauliflower, this recipe is a fantastic option. The spice blend can be adjusted to suit your preferences. And it’s the perfect dish to add to any meal. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or something to impress guests at your next gathering!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer cauliflower steaks
2 small cauliflowers, sliced
Tandoori spice rub
150g of plain rice to serve
Method
I cut the head of my mini cauliflowers into two or three thick slices, depending on the size. Making sure to keep the core intact so the florets hold together in nice steak-like slabs. I gave each slice a light spray with Fry Light oil, coating both sides to help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Then, I sprinkled each side generously with a tandoori rub – full of warming spices and vibrant colour. For the best flavour, I recommend leaving the seasoned cauliflower to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have time. This allows the spices to really infuse the vegetable.
When you’re ready to cook, place the cauliflower steaks directly onto the crisping tray in your air fryer drawer drawer. Cook at 180°C for around 10 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get a lovely golden crust. Keep an eye on them toward the end – air fryers can vary, and you want them tender but not overly soft, with some crisp on the edges.
Then I served my air fryer cauliflower steaks with a vibrant coriander and mustard seed rice, which added a fragrant, slightly nutty element to the plate. And yes, I paired it all with a cheeky cocktail – because it’s the weekend, after all!
Even if you are not typically a fan of cauliflower, these steaks might just convert you. They’re bold, spicy, and satisfying. If you try them, I’d love to see your creations – tag us on social media!
This recipe is also super adaptable. You can swap the tandoori rub for BBQ spices, harissa, or even a lemon herb marinade. These cauliflower steaks make a great centrepiece for a vegetarian meal and are sure to impress guests at dinner parties or casual gatherings alike.
Tips for Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks
Air fryer cauliflower steaks are a fantastic way to enjoy this versatile vegetable with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. Here’s how to get tender yet crispy cauliflower steaks every time:
1. Choose a large, firm cauliflower
Pick a fresh, firm head with tightly packed florets. This will help you slice nice, sturdy steaks that hold together well during cooking.
2. Slice evenly
Cut the cauliflower into thick “steaks” about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thinner slices may fall apart, while thicker ones take longer to cook. Aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly.
3. Preheat your air fryer
Set the air fryer to 190°C and preheat for 2-3 minutes to ensure the cauliflower starts roasting immediately and develops a nice golden crust.
4. Use a light coating of oil
Brush or spray both sides of the steaks with olive oil or your preferred cooking oil. This helps them crisp up nicely and enhances flavour.
5. Season well
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favourite herbs and spices. Cauliflower absorbs flavours well, so don’t be shy!
6. Arrange in a single layer
Place the steaks flat in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Overcrowding will steam the cauliflower and prevent crispiness.
7. Flip halfway through cooking
Cook for 12-15 minutes total, flipping the steaks halfway to ensure even browning on both sides.
8. Check tenderness
Pierce with a fork to check for tenderness. The steaks should be soft inside but with crispy, caramelised edges.
9. Add finishing touches
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of your favourite sauce like tahini or a yogurt dip to elevate the dish.
These tips will give you beautifully cooked air fryer cauliflower steaks – crispy, flavourful, and perfect as a side or main!
Similar recipes
If you like these easy air fryer cauliflower steaks, you might also like my simple air fryer blooming onion or the healthy air fryer broccoli bites recipe.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
Or check out my new Club App, with exclusive calorie-counted recipes added weekly, customisable meal plans, printable shopping lists and more features to make your meal prepping easier.