The promising applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) can be widened if these materials were additive manufactured to develop three-dimensional (3D) MOF architectures. In this work, iron-based MOF/silicon carbide (SiC) composite aqueous inks with a high solids content (64 ​wt%) are printed into 3D periodic lattices by a direct ink writing technique (Robocasting). MOF appear fully integrated within the cellular architectures, which display total porosities in the range of 74–78% depending on the scaffold design. The 3D MOF-Fe/SiC structures exhibit good mechanical strength (~4.6 ​MPa) and a semiconductor-like behaviour. The structures show a remarkable response in the hydroxylation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide, demonstrating high selectivity and yield to dihydroxybenzene species. Display omitted •3D cellular MOF-Fe/SiC architectures are direct ink written from pseudoplastic inks.•MOFs appear fully integrated within the printed scaffolds.•The scaffolds exhibit good mechanical strength and semiconductor-like behaviour.•Good catalytic performance in the hydroxylation of phenol.•High selectivity and yield to dihydroxybenzene species.