Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika
Crispy, vegetable-based fries made from cauliflower steaks that mimic the texture of potato fries without the carbs. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe (low-carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs cauliflower, avocado oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut cauliflower head into 1-inch thick 'steaks' (about 6 pieces total), removing the core. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Toss cauliflower steaks in a bowl with 1 tbsp avocado oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Place cauliflower steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for 8 more minutes until edges are deeply golden and crisp to the touch.
