Cauliflower cutlets in the air fryer are a game-changer for those who love satisfying meals with a healthy twist. These crispy, golden cutlets celebrate the use of the humble cauliflower, transforming it into a flavour-packed side dish or main. Whether you're serving them with a slice of tomato and lemon wedges or pairing them with one-quarter of the onion-caper sauce on a dinner plate, this dish delivers serious wow factor without deep-frying.
Perfectly air-fried with olive oil and seasoned with an Italian seasoning blend, these cutlets are ready in 10–15 minutes of cooking time. If you’re after a plant-based alternative to pork cutlet recipes, this dish will win you over.
Air fryer cauliflower cutlets - Video recipe
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Boiled potatoes
- Red Lentil flour
- Spices
- Curry powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Nutritional yeast flakes (optional)
- oil (for brushing or spraying)
Steps
Step 1 & 2: Soak cauliflower florets in hot salted water for 15 minutes to soften. Drain and cool slightly. Then transfer to a food processor, and add curry powder, paprika, and salt.
Step 3 & 4 : Pulse the cauliflower mixture until coarse. Then add grated boiled potatoes and , and pulse again to combine.
Step 5 & 6 : Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add red lentil flour, and mix thoroughly. Then shape the mixture into round cutlets using your hands.
Step 7 & 8 : Place the shaped cutlets on a parchment-lined tray, leaving space between each one. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil.
Transfer the tray to the freezer and let the cutlets firm up for 3–4 hours. This helps them hold their shape during air frying and improves texture.
Step 9 & 10 : Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Place the shaped cauliflower cutlets on a parchment-lined tray in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil.
Air fry for 20–22 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying again lightly for an even, golden crust. Cook until the cutlets are crispy on the outside and cooked through inside.
Variations
- Cauliflower Steaks: Instead of mashed cutlets, use thick slices of cauliflower to make cauliflower steaks, seasoning them similarly before air frying.
- readcrumb Crust: Add a coating of bread crumbs for extra crispiness and texture before placing them on a prepared baking sheet.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon garlic powder or chili flakes for added heat.
Substitutions
- Potato Alternative: Swap potatoes with mashed sweet potato or canned chickpeas for a different texture.
- Red Lentil Flour: Use oat flour or chickpea flour if red lentil flour isn’t available.
- Yeast Flakes: Replace nutritional yeast with finely grated vegan parmesan for a similar umami effect.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or spray oil to reduce fat content while maintaining that crispy finish.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Cutlets
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 500 gms cauliflower florets
- 300 gms potatoes boiled and grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
- ¼ cup red lentil flour or chickpea flour
- oil for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Soak cauliflower florets in hot salted water for 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- Add cauliflower, curry powder, paprika, nutritional yeast and salt to a food processor. Pulse until it resembles a coarse crumb.
- Add grated boiled potatoesto the processor. Pulse again just until combined.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add red lentil flour and mix thoroughly to form a mouldable dough.
- Scoop out portions and shape into round patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined tray. Brush with olive oil and freeze for 3–4 hours to help them firm up.
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Place frozen cutlets in the basket. Spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with oil again. Cook until crisp and golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with a chutney or tomato ketcup.
Video
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, shape and refrigerate the cutlets up to a day in advance. You can also freeze them and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Q: Do I need to use parchment paper in the air fryer?
Lining your air fryer tray with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking, especially if you’re not using much oil.
Q: How do I reheat leftover cauliflower cutlets?
Place them in a degree oven at 180°C or in the air fryer at 160°C for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Q: Are these cutlets suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you avoid regular bread crumbs and stick to gluten-free alternatives like cornmeal or GF-certified red lentil flour.
Conclusion
These air fryer cauliflower cutlets make for a healthy, delicious addition to your weekly meal plan. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or light dinner with green onion garnish and lemon wedges, they offer incredible flavour and a satisfying crunch. It’s a recipe that’s budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile. Don’t forget the drizzle of lemon juice or zest for that extra zing!
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