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Airfryfeast
Air Fryer Spiced Moroccan Cauliflower Steaks
By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Mar 29, 2026 · Updated Jun 16, 2026
Moroccan
25 mins
air-fryer-friendlyvegetarianveganhealthyeasygluten-freecrisplow-fatsavoryfamily-friendly30-minutes-or-lessweeknight-dinnerv2
Crispy, Moroccan-spiced cauliflower steaks air-fried to perfection. A quick, healthy, vegan-friendly, gluten-free main course ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
Moroccan
Ingredients
Servings
4
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
-
Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem from the cauliflower. Slice into 3/4 to 1-inch thick ‘steaks’, yielding 3 to 4 steaks depending on size. Reserve loose florets for roasting separately or another use.
-
Mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the Moroccan spice blend.
-
Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak generously with the spice mixture, ensuring an even coating.
-
Place steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
-
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Steaks should be golden brown on edges, tender inside, with a crisp exterior.
-
Transfer to plates, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.
-
Enjoy as a wholesome vegan main course or paired with your favorite air-fried sides for a colorful, satisfying meal!
Tips
Air Fryer Model Notes
Cook Air Fryer Spiced Moroccan Cauliflower Steaks in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.
Crispiness Control
Pat the head of cauliflower dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.
Doneness Cues
Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.
Reheat In The Air Fryer
Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Air Fryer Spiced Moroccan Cauliflower Steaks ahead of time?
- You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
- How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?
- Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
- How do I know the head of cauliflower is done?
- Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.
Ingredient Replacements
Customize this vegetarian and vegan Moroccan cauliflower recipe with these ingredient substitutions to suit your pantry or preferred flavors while preserving its gluten-free and healthy profile:
- Cauliflower: Replace with thick slices of broccoli stems, eggplant steaks, or portobello mushrooms for a different texture that roasts well.
- Olive oil: Swap for avocado oil or grapeseed oil which have higher smoke points and neutral flavors, great for air frying.
- Moroccan spice blend: Use regular paprika plus a pinch of chipotle powder or ground chili if smoked paprika is unavailable for smoky warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: Substitute with ground allspice or pumpkin pie spice to maintain warm aromatic notes.
- Cayenne pepper: Omit or reduce for no heat, or replace with smoked chili flakes for milder smoky kick.
- Garlic and onion powder: Use fresh finely minced garlic and onion, adjusting amounts to taste.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro garnish: Try fresh mint, dill, or basil for unique herbaceous finishes.
- Lemon wedges: Substitute with lime wedges or drizzle pomegranate molasses for a different complementary tartness.
These swaps keep the dish gluten-free, vegan, and balanced while allowing creative flexibility without sacrificing the signature crispness and spicy, aromatic flavor that make this a family-friendly favorite.
Storage
Store leftover Air Fryer Spiced Moroccan Cauliflower Steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.
Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
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