Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This air fryer cauliflower cheese embodies everything you desire in a side dish. It is warm, creamy, cheesy, and completely scrumptious.
This cauliflower cheese is so delightful that if you’re not cautious, it might not even reach the dinner table after the initial taste test. It is an ideal and delectable accompaniment that is a timeless staple for roast dinners in British tradition.
Is it possible to prepare cauliflower cheese in the air fryer? The short answer is affirmative, and it turns out stunningly and deliciously every single time. I’ve also been inquired whether a baking dish can be utilized in your air fryer. Again, yes, you can. Just remember, your air fryer functions like a compact oven. If it works in a traditional oven, it will undoubtedly work in an air fryer, too.
Returning to today’s recipe: crafting the traditional British cauliflower cheese in the air fryer is a satisfying comfort food and an exceptional side for any main dish. Conventionally, it is prepared by boiling cauliflower and then cloaking it in a rich, creamy cheese sauce before baking it in the oven.
Nevertheless, with the air fryer, the cauliflower is first roasted for an excellent texture and then coated in the creamy cheese white sauce before ultimately cooking in the air fryer to achieve that bubbling and crispy golden topping. It is simply unresistable. I prefer it saucy this way, and I won’t need to prepare any gravy.
Related recipes: smashed broccoli, air fryer broccoli and carrots, mini hasselback potatoes, cheesy baked mashed potatoes and duck fat potatoes.
Ingredients required
Cauliflower
Broccoli stem: this is optional but delightful. I only included it because I had some leftover from a prior recipe (smashed broccoli). A fantastic approach to minimize food waste!
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Olive oil
Milk
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole grain mustard: for a touch of tang and flavor richness.
Garlic granules
Nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare cauliflower cheese
Chop the cauliflower into florets, wash thoroughly, drain, and pat dry with a paper towel or allow it to air dry, then place in a bowl.
Drizzle the cauliflower florets (and chopped broccoli stem if added) with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to mix well.
Transfer to a preheated air fryer basket and cook at 380F / 190C for 8-10 minutes. While the cauliflower is cooking, make the cheese sauce.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir until it turns into a smooth paste, about 2-3 minutes (to cook out the raw flour taste). Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Stir in garlic granules, nutmeg, and whole grain mustard, then season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
Incorporate the cheese, setting aside some for topping later. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat a spoon. Then, remove from heat.
Once the cauliflower finishes cooking in the air fryer, transfer it to a baking dish and drizzle the cheese sauce over it. Toss to ensure all florets are well coated with the sauce, and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Carefully position the cauliflower in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Allow to cool slightly before serving with your preferred main dish. Enjoy!
Watch how to create it
How to store
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When ready to consume, reheat in the microwave or air fryer at 350F / 180C for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Can this be prepared in advance
Absolutely, this air fryer cauliflower cheese is also an excellent make-ahead option for convenient meal prep when needed. The cheese sauce will remain good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator just like the cauliflower. Reheat the sauce until warm, then mix with the florets and bake as instructed when it’s time to serve.
Variations and suggestions
- Create broccoli and cauliflower cheese by including broccoli florets.
- To enhance creaminess, use a combination of milk and heavy cream (double cream).
- For a distinct flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gouda, Boursin, Gruyere, or blue cheese.
What to pair with cauliflower cheese
Salt-crusted baked potatoes
Oven-baked steak
Air fryer parmesan chicken
Air fryer pork steak
Baked paprika salmon
Air fryer pork roast with crispy skin
Air fryer bake and toss chicken
Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This air fryer cauliflower cheese embodies everything you desire in a side dish. It is soothing, rich, cheesy, and absolutely scrumptious. This delightful side is a classic accompaniment to roast dinners in British tradition.
- 1 large cauliflower head
- 1 broccoli stem cut into pieces
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups milk refer to note
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
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Salt and pepper to your preference
Stop your screen from dimming
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Slice the cauliflower into florets, wash thoroughly, drain, and dry with a kitchen towel or allow to air dry, then place in a bowl.
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Coat the cauliflower florets (and chopped broccoli stem if included) with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then mix to combine.
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Place in a preheated air fryer basket and cook at 380F / 190C for 8-10 minutes. While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the cheese sauce.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once liquefied, add the flour and stir until it becomes a smooth paste, about 2-3 minutes (to eliminate the raw flour taste). Gradually add the milk, whisking continually to prevent lumps.
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Incorporate garlic powder, nutmeg, and whole-grain mustard, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Add the cheese, setting aside some for topping later. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Then, take off the heat.
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Once the cauliflower has finished cooking in the air fryer, move it to a baking dish and pour over the cheese sauce. Toss to ensure that all the florets are generously coated with the sauce, then sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Carefully place the cauliflower back in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes at 360F / 180C, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Allow to cool slightly, then serve alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy!
Can this be prepared in advance?
Certainly, this air fryer cauliflower cheese is an excellent choice for meal prep. The cheese sauce can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, just like the cauliflower. Reheat the sauce until warm, then mix with the florets and bake as instructed when ready to serve.
Variations and suggestions
- Make broccoli and cauliflower cheese by incorporating broccoli florets.
- For an even creamier texture, use a combination of milk and heavy cream (double cream).
- To create a unique flavor, experiment with different kinds of cheese, such as Gouda, Boursin, Gruyere, or blue cheese.
Nutritional information: Please be aware that the nutritional label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will differ depending on the exact ingredients and brands chosen. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be accountable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on nutritional details.
And there you have it, an easy and tasty air fryer casserole recipe suitable for preparing at home. As always, if you try this recipe, I would love to know your thoughts! Please rate the recipe 5 stars and leave feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagramand save it to your Pinterest. Please subscribeto the blog if you haven’t already for free new recipes delivered to your inbox.
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