Go Back
- 1 large cauliflower head, sliced into 1-inch thick steaks - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Using these fresh and quality ingredients makes all the difference. The cauliflower is the star, and slicing it into thick steaks keeps it tender inside. Grated Parmesan adds a rich, salty flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a delightful crunch. The olive oil helps the spices stick and adds moisture. Garlic powder brings a nice kick, while smoked paprika adds warmth. Finally, salt and pepper round out the flavors perfectly. Don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This simple yet effective blend of ingredients transforms cauliflower into a savory delight that everyone can enjoy. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting that crispy texture. It only takes about 5 minutes, so don't skip it! Next, slice your large cauliflower head into 1-inch thick steaks. Try to keep the pieces as intact as you can. You should get about 4-6 steaks, depending on the size of your cauliflower. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it well. This blend will give your steaks a great crust. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over both sides of the cauliflower steaks. This helps the coating stick and gives a nice golden color. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture generously on each steak. Press it down gently so it sticks well. Arrange the coated cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; they need space to cook evenly. Cook the steaks for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool for a minute before serving. To get that amazing crunch, I always use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, crispy layer that enhances the cauliflower steaks. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a better texture. This extra crunch makes every bite feel special. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you stack the cauliflower steaks, they won't cook evenly. This can lead to some parts being soft while others are crispy. Cook in batches if needed to keep them in a single layer. Your patience will pay off with perfectly cooked steaks. Want to make your dish even more unique? Add herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture. You could try Italian herbs like oregano or basil, or even a pinch of chili powder for some heat. These little changes will give your cauliflower steaks a personal touch. Feel free to play with flavors that you love! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cauliflower steaks with just a few tweaks. - Italian herb blend: Mix oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic taste. - Spicy chili seasoning: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick. These flavors add depth and excitement. Try them to keep things fresh! If you want to switch up the cheese, there are great options. - Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a different flavor. - Nutritional yeast for vegan option: This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. These alternatives can suit many diets while keeping your dish tasty. How you serve your cauliflower steaks can enhance the meal. - Pair with marinara sauce: This adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cheese. - Serve with grilled vegetables: This adds color and nutrition to your plate. These ideas create a balanced meal that looks and tastes great! To keep your cauliflower steaks fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure they cool down first before sealing. For the best reheating, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the cauliflower crispy and delicious. You can also use the oven if you prefer. Just remember to check them often to avoid burning. You can freeze these cauliflower steaks for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each steak in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped steaks in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer from frozen. This keeps them nice and crunchy! Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs. Use ground nuts or oats for a crunchy texture. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist. If you prefer a gluten-free option, try almond flour or ground flaxseed. Each option adds a unique flavor and texture to your dish. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This will help keep them crispy when you reheat them later. These cauliflower steaks pair well with many sides. Consider serving with marinara sauce or a fresh salad. Grilled vegetables or quinoa make great options too. You can even serve them with a tangy yogurt sauce for a tasty contrast. Yes, you can use a traditional oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden brown color to ensure they are perfectly cooked. This blog post covers making tasty Parmesan cauliflower steaks in an air fryer. We discussed the key ingredients, seasonings, and step-by-step instructions for easy cooking. You learned tips for getting a perfect crunch, variations for flavors, and ways to store leftovers. In closing, this dish offers a fun way to enjoy healthy veggies. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your cauliflower steaks! They'll surprise you with their crunch and taste. Now, get cooking!

Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Parmesan Cauliflower Steaks with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned and crispy, these cauliflower steaks are loaded with flavor and make for a fantastic side dish or main course. Discover how simple it is to whip up this healthy, cheesy delight in just 25 minutes. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 large cauliflower head, sliced into 1-inch thick steaks

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    While the air fryer is preheating, cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks, keeping them as intact as possible. You should aim for 4-6 steaks depending on the size of your cauliflower.

      In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the cauliflower steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated. This helps the seasoning stick and gives a nice golden color.

          Sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture generously over both sides of each steak, pressing it down gently so it adheres well.

            Carefully place the coated cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd them. You may need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.

              Cook the steaks in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

                Once cooked, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.

                  Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for garnish before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the steaks on a wooden board or white plate for contrast, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and additional Parmesan if desired. A side of marinara or pesto can elevate this dish further!