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Buffalo Cauliflower Steak Recipe - Air Fryer Baked

Buffalo cauliflower steaks bring the best of bold flavors and plant-based nutrition to the table.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the 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
For the Buffalo Sauce
  • ¼ cup hot sauce or add honey instead for a sweet and spicy flavor. such as Frank’s RedHot
  • 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

Method
 

Prepare the Cauliflower
  1. Start by selecting a large, fresh cauliflower head. Rinse it well, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Remove any green leaves and trim the stem, but leave enough of the core intact to keep the steaks together.
Slice the Cauliflower
  1. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the cauliflower into thick “steaks.” Each slice should be about 1 to 1½ inches thick.
  2. You’ll typically get two to three full steaks from one cauliflower, along with some smaller florets. Save these florets for roasting along with the steaks or use them in another recipe.
Season the Cauliflower Steaks
  1. Lay the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this seasoned oil mixture over the steaks, using your hands or a brush to ensure an even coating.
  2. This spice mix adds the essential flavor base, giving the steaks a rich, smoky taste with just the right amount of heat.
Roast the Cauliflower
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet with the seasoned cauliflower in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes.
  2. Flip the steaks halfway through to ensure even cooking. By the end of roasting, the cauliflower should turn golden brown with crispy edges, yet tender inside.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
  1. While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup (if using). Stir until the ingredients are well mixed, then remove from heat.
  2. The sauce should be tangy with a touch of richness from the butter, perfect for coating the cauliflower without overwhelming its flavor.
Apply the Buffalo Sauce
  1. Once the cauliflower finishes roasting, take it out of the oven and brush each steak generously with the buffalo sauce. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to bake into the cauliflower and create a sticky, flavorful coating.
  2. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, as the sauce can caramelize quickly.