
Air Fryer Marinated Cauliflower Steaks with Seed Crust, Lemon Yogurt Cream, and Quick Pickled Red Onion
An original Air Fryer recipe featuring thick cauliflower steaks marinated with spices, coated in a crunchy seed crust, and served with lemon yogurt cream and quick pickled red onion. The contrast of toasty, creamy, and tangy flavors makes it an elegant and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1.1 kg large cauliflower (cut en 4 lomos gruesos)
- 240 g plain Greek yogurt (divided for marinada and cream)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 1 1 unit lemon (zest fina and juice divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (1 grated for marinada and 1 grated for cream)
- 4 g smoked paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 15 ml honey
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 35 g sunflower seeds (lightly chopped)
- 18 g sesame seeds
- 30 g panko breadcrumbs
- 80 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 60 ml apple cider vinegar
- 60 ml water (hot)
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Cut the cauliflower into 4 thick steaks from the center, keeping part of the stem attached so each piece holds together. Save the trimmings for another use.
- 2
2. In a large bowl, mix 120 g (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the zest of half the lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 grated garlic clove, smoked paprika, ground cumin, honey, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 3
3. Coat the cauliflower steaks on both sides with the marinade and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, make the quick pickled onion: combine the red onion with the apple cider vinegar, hot water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Let it sit while you continue the recipe.
- 5
5. On a plate, mix the sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and panko. Press this mixture onto both sides of each cauliflower steak to create a light crust.
- 6
6. Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- 7
7. Brush or spray the Air Fryer basket with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the cauliflower steaks in a single layer and brush or spray the tops with the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- 8
8. Cook in the Air Fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 16 to 18 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the crust is golden.
- 9
9. While they cook, make the cream: mix the remaining 120 g (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt with the juice from the remaining half lemon, the remaining grated garlic clove, and a pinch of salt.
- 10
10. Serve the hot cauliflower steaks with the lemon yogurt cream on top or on the side. Finish with the drained quick pickled red onion and chopped fresh parsley.
Chef tips
If the cauliflower steaks are very large, cook them in batches to avoid steaming. Pressing the crust firmly helps it adhere better to the marinade.
Substitutions
You can replace the sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds if desired. Greek yogurt can be swapped for thick plain yogurt. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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