Meatless Mondays got you in a bind? Well don’t fret, you can have your steak and eat it too! These Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks are so freaking easy to make and so tasty. After making this for the first time, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t have this recipe in your weekly rotation earlier. But now you know! So let’s jump in.

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“Great steak without the Moo’n”

-vegan sally

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WTF is a Cauliflower Steak?

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A cauliflower steak is a vegetarian dish made by slicing a whole cauliflower head into thick slices that resemble a steak. The cauliflower slices are typically seasoned with herbs and spices, and then roasted, grilled, or pan-seared until they are tender and slightly caramelized. For this recipe we air fry em!

Cauliflower steaks have become a popular vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based entrees, and are often served with a variety of flavorful sauces or toppings, like our red chimichurri sauce!

Cauliflower steaks are also a great option for people who are looking to reduce their meat intake or follow a plant-based diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

To learn more about the health benefits of cauliflower, check out this article by bbcgoodfood.com. “Top 5 health benefits of Cauliflower.”

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Why Air Fry?

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Air frying cauliflower steaks is a great way to prepare this dish because it provides a crispy, golden-brown exterior without the excess oil. Air frying uses hot air to cook the food, circulating it around the cauliflower slices to create a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist.

Compared to other cooking methods, such as frying or baking, air frying requires much less oil, which makes it a healthier option. It also allows you to cook the cauliflower steaks quicker.

In addition, air frying gives you more control over the cooking temperature and time, allowing you to adjust the settings to achieve the desired level of doneness and texture. This is particularly important when cooking cauliflower steaks, as they can easily become mushy or overcooked if not prepared correctly.

There is the task of flipping the cauliflower steak. Whatever I’m cooking in the air fryer, I find it’s best to flip it half way through, it gives it a better cook.

This can be tricky with a fragile cauliflower steak however. To mitigate breakage I like to flip the basket onto a plate and then slide the steak back into the basket. Using a fork or thongs will likely break the steak.

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AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER STEAKS RECIPE

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Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak Ingredients

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Here’s what you’ll need to make these air fryer cauliflower steaks.

• Cauliflower: We use a classic white cauliflower for this recipe, but feel free to be bold and use a purple or green cauliflower!

• Spices: Salt & Pepper, are all a good steak really needs, or so they say. But we like to add garlic and onion powder, and some smoked paprika.

• Olive Oil: Just enough to coast the cauliflower steak and help the spices stick.

• Garnish: Red Chimichurri sauce and some freshly chopped parsley.

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Red Chimichurri

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Check out this Red Chimichurri recipe. It’s gonna take this air fryer cauliflower steak to the next level! It’s super easy an so damn tasty.

All you need to make it is a jar of some roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, olive oil, and some spices. It comes together in minutes and takes these cauliflower steaks to the next level. Simply combine everything in a food processor and store the leftovers in an air tight container.

Oh, AND it makes a great as a marinade, dip, or as topping on other veggies or meats, like actual steak!

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How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

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Follow these step by step instructions to make these air fryer cauliflower steaks.

Step 1: Marinate Cauliflower Steaks (optional)

Slice your cauliflower into 1 inch steaks. Place them in a large shallow baking dish.

In a mixing bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower and use your hands to thoroughly cover. Sprinkle more of the dry spices over the top.

Cover and let rest in the refrigerator over night or for at least an hour.

Step 2: Fry Cauliflower Steaks

Spray your basket with a non stick cooking oil.

Pop your cauliflower steaks into the air fryer basket, leaving a little room between each one. You may have to fry them one at a time.

Fry the steaks for 6 minutes, flip them, and fry another 6 minutes. To flip the cauliflower steak without breaking it, I cover the basket with a plate and flip it onto the plate. Then I gently slide the steak back into the basket.

Step 3: Make the Red Chimichurri

Put all the roasted red peppers, red wine vinegar, shallot, jalapeño, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve Cauliflower Steaks

Transfer the cauliflower steaks to a serving dish and liberally drizzle the red chimichurri sauce over top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and flakey sea salt. Enjoy!

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What to Serve with Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

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These cauliflower steaks are hearty enough to be served as a main dish or cut them up and serve them as aside. Either way the pair great with a slew of things. Here are some fun dishes that would pair nicely with these air fryer cauliflower steaks.

Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin with Carolina Gold BBQ sauce. This juicy pork tenderloin is sous vide to perfection and dressed with a tangy, smoky, Carolina gold bbq sauce. Leave off the red chimichurri and top the cauliflower with the Carolina gold sauce, or visa versa.

Want to try something new and bold with that plain old turkey? This festive Mexican turkey recipe is a great way to spice up a bird. Check out this recipe for Mexican Turkey with Spicy Adobo Sauce!

These lip smacking boneless country style ribs will have you licking your fingers and hollering yeehaw! Check out this Boneless Country Style Ribs Recipe.

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Storing Air Fryer Cauliflower Steaks

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Store in the fridge: Once the cauliflower steaks have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer: To reheat the cauliflower steaks, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.

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More Air Fryer Recipes

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If you need some more air fryer ideas, look no further! We have some other great recipes that are super simple and super tasty. 

For a healthy (relatively), quick, and easy dessert try our Air Fryer Pumpkin Spiced Pears. No more waiting for autumn to satisfy that pumpkin spice craving, take that Starbucks!

Need an easy last minute idea for a side dish? Check out our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedge Recipe. They are an awesome addition to any impromptu BBQ or a game day event. 

Or check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings. Cheesy, buttery, garlic-y chicken wings, what more more do you need!? Maybe a beer and more Garlic Parm flavors. If so check out our Garlic Parmesan Fries!

Check these recipes out and let us know what you think. Happy air frying!

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Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak FAQ’s

Can I use frozen cauliflower to make air fryer cauliflower steaks?

I’ve never found a whole frozen cauliflower before, and thats what you need to make cauliflower steaks. So NO, you need to use a fresh cauliflower.

Can I cook the cauliflower steaks in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Simply place the seasoned cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.

Are air fryer cauliflower steaks healthy?

Yes, air fryer cauliflower steaks are a healthy and nutritious vegetarian dish. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. Plus, air frying requires less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier cooking method.

Can I use different types of cauliflower to make the steaks?

Yes, you can use different types of cauliflower, such as purple or green cauliflower, to make the steaks. The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of cauliflower, so be sure to check for doneness as you cook.

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