Posted by If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly irresistible side dish, this air fryer cauliflower cheese will become a new favorite. A classic British side often served with a roast dinner, this dish combines tender cauliflower florets with a rich, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s made entirely in the air fryer, cutting down on time while still delivering that oven-baked flavor.
What You’ll Need
To make this irresistible air fryer cauliflower cheese, here are the essential ingredients:
- Cauliflower: The star of the dish, broken into florets for even cooking.
- Broccoli Stem (Optional): Adds extra texture and nutrients if you want to mix things up.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, stretchy texture, perfect for that gooey top layer.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the cauliflower before air frying, enhancing the flavor and crispness.
- Milk: Forms the base of the creamy cheese sauce, giving it that silky texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and serves as the fat base for the roux (flour and butter mixture).
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Whole Grain Mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic Granules: A mild garlic flavor that complements the cheesy sauce without overpowering it.
- Nutmeg: A subtle addition that enhances the flavor of the cheese sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the cauliflower and the cheese sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by cutting the cauliflower into medium-sized florets, discarding the tough stem but keeping the tender parts. If you’re using a broccoli stem as well, chop it into small chunks and add it to the cauliflower. Rinse everything under cold water, then either pat it dry with a paper towel or leave it to air dry for a few minutes. This is crucial to ensure the cauliflower crisps up in the air fryer instead of steaming.
Step 2: Season and Air Fry the Cauliflower
Place the dry cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C), and once hot, place the cauliflower (and broccoli if using) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. You want the cauliflower to be tender but with slightly crispy edges.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
While your cauliflower is air frying, you can prepare the creamy cheese sauce. Start by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, add all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook the flour mixture (called a roux) for about 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Gradually add milk, pouring a little at a time while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Add garlic granules, a pinch of nutmeg, and whole grain mustard to the sauce for flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, reduce the heat to low and start adding the cheese. Begin with the cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, then follow with mozzarella cheese. Be sure to reserve some of both cheeses for the final topping. Stir until the sauce is silky and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Assemble and Finish in the Air Fryer
Once the cauliflower is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a shallow baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, ensuring all the florets are well-coated. Toss lightly to spread the sauce evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Place the baking dish back into the air fryer and cook at 360°F (180°C) for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. You can also add a quick sprinkle of nutmeg or extra black pepper for garnish if you’d like.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the cauliflower cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite roast dinner, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main dish. Either way, this creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy dish will be a hit!
How to Store Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the cauliflower cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat it either in the microwave or air fryer. For the air fryer, heat at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is once again melty and delicious.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time if you’re looking for a more convenient meal prep option. The cheese sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and when ready to serve, reheat the sauce until warm, then toss with freshly air-fried cauliflower before finishing in the air fryer.
Variations and Additional Tips
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese: Feel free to add broccoli florets alongside the cauliflower for a mixed-veg version of this dish. The method remains the same; simply chop and season the broccoli florets as you would the cauliflower.
- Cheese Choices: Swap out the cheddar for other flavorful cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative if needed. Cornstarch can also work as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
This easy and delicious cauliflower cheese is a perfect side dish made in the air fryer. Creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great addition to any meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 broccoli stem, chopped (optional)
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups milk
- 50g unsalted butter
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut cauliflower into florets and rinse. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Season the sauce with mustard, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in most of the cheese until melted.
- Pour cheese sauce over the cooked cauliflower. Top with remaining cheese and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 360°F (180°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Serve and enjoy!
