Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy, vegetable-based fries made from cauliflower steaks that mimic the texture of potato fries without the carbs. This american (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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cauliflower 'Steak' Fries with Smoky Paprika low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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