1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Remove the outer leaves and the stem from the cauliflower head. Place the cauliflower head flat on a cutting board.
- Carefully slice the cauliflower into 1/2 to 1-inch thick steaks. You should get about 2-3 steaks from a large head of cauliflower. Save any leftover florets for another use or roast them alongside the steaks.
2. Make the Seasoning Mix:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
3. Season the Cauliflower Steaks:
- Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with the olive oil seasoning mixture. Ensure the steaks are evenly coated.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Cauliflower Steaks:
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the model of your air fryer.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the cauliflower steaks from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak
- Even Thickness: Ensure the cauliflower steaks are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. If some pieces are thinner, they might cook faster than others.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a better texture and ensures that the steaks start cooking immediately.
- Batch Cooking: If needed, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and better crispiness.
- Flipping: Flip the cauliflower steaks halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides get evenly crisped.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or marinades based on your taste preferences. A touch of curry powder, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a unique twist.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower with minimal effort. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s perfect as a main course or side dish. Enjoy this versatile and delicious vegetable in a whole new way!