Buffalo Cauliflower Steak Recipe – Air Fryer Baked Recipe
This Buffalo Cauliflower Steak recipe is a vibrant, flavorful twist on the classic buffalo wings, made healthier and vegan-friendly by using cauliflower steaks air-fried to perfection. Coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce and served with cooling vegan ranch and fresh veggies, it’s a perfect appetizer or light meal full of bold flavors and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 large cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) or add honey instead for a sweet and spicy flavor
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
Serving
- Vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Steaks: Remove the green leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem end, keeping the core intact. Place the cauliflower head on a cutting board and slice it into 3/4 to 1-inch thick steaks. You should get about 2-3 good-sized steaks from one head; save the smaller florets for another use.
- Season the Steaks: Brush or rub the cauliflower steaks evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper on both sides of each steak to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the seasoned cauliflower steaks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender. The cauliflower should have a slight crisp on the edges.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness or heat according to your taste preference.
- Coat the Steaks in Sauce: Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked, gently brush or toss them in the prepared buffalo sauce, ensuring they are well coated with the spicy glaze.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve the buffalo cauliflower steaks with vegan ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles on the side, along with celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a sweeter variation, substitute the hot sauce with honey or a honey-based buffalo sauce.
- Ensure the cauliflower steaks are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the steaks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Leftover buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
