Air fryer cauliflower cheese - Healthy & Keto Recipes

Cauliflower cheese is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. If you love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish, then you’ll be thrilled with this easy-to-make Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese recipe. With a rich, creamy cheese sauce and crispy golden edges from the air fryer, this dish is a game-changer. It’s ideal as a vegetarian main for a festive dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower florets are key to this recipe. Cut them into large, even-sized pieces for best results. The cauliflower should be tender but still firm enough to hold its shape when cooked.
Cheese: A combination of cheddar and red Leicester cheeses adds both flavor and richness to the sauce. The red Leicester gives a nice color and a slightly tangy taste, complementing the cheddar perfectly.
Milk: Full-fat milk is used to create a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
Cream: Adding double cream makes the sauce extra indulgent, lending a rich, velvety consistency.
Plain Flour: Also known as all-purpose flour, it helps thicken the sauce and gives it that creamy texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish.
Salt & Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the dish to taste.
Dijon Mustard: The secret ingredient that elevates the flavor of the cheese sauce, giving it a slight tang and depth.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth to the sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preparing the cauliflower. Cut it into large florets, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking. Bring a large pan of water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt, and drop in the cauliflower florets. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Once done, drain the cauliflower in a colander and set it aside. You want it cooked through but not mushy, as it will continue to cook in the air fryer.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, you can prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the plain flour and stir it continuously to form a thick paste. This mixture is called a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the Dijon mustard and a pinch of nutmeg, allowing the sauce to thicken as it heats up. Once the sauce is smooth and bubbling, remove it from the heat and add the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted completely, creating a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Next, transfer the cooked cauliflower florets into an oven-proof baking dish. Pour the cheesy sauce over the cauliflower, making sure the florets are evenly coated. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar and red Leicester cheese on top. The combination of these two cheeses will give the dish a beautiful, golden crust once it’s air-fried.

Step 4: Air Fry for the Perfect Finish

Place the baking dish into your air fryer basket and set the temperature to 200°C (400°F). Air fry the cauliflower cheese for about 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the sauce is bubbling, and the top is a crispy, golden brown. The air fryer will ensure a crispy finish without drying out the dish, leaving it creamy and comforting on the inside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This cauliflower cheese can be served as a standalone vegetarian main or as a side dish to accompany a roast dinner. It’s perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, cheesy treat.

How to Make Cauliflower Cheese in the Oven:

If you prefer the oven method, it’s just as simple. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a baking dish, pour the creamy cheese sauce over them, and scatter the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Variations to Try:

Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese before air frying or baking. This will create a crispy, golden layer on top of the cheese.
Different Cheese Options: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or blue cheese for a different flavor.
Mustard Variations: Dijon mustard gives a subtle tang to the sauce, but you can switch it out for English mustard if you prefer a sharper flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This air fryer cauliflower cheese is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for the holidays—whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a special family dinner. It also works wonderfully as a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it as a side to roasted meats, or enjoy it on its own as a comforting vegetarian dish.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! You can store this dish in the fridge for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly and place it in the freezer. When reheating, you may notice that the cauliflower becomes a bit softer, but it will still taste delicious. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or in the microwave, then warm it up in the air fryer or oven to restore its crispy topping.

Make Ahead Tips:

To save time during the holiday rush, you can prepare this dish in advance. After cooking the cauliflower and making the cheese sauce, layer the two together in a baking dish. Cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors will develop even more during this resting period. When you’re ready to serve, air fry or bake it until it’s golden and bubbling.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 551 kcal

This simple and delicious cauliflower cheese recipe can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. You can choose to cook it in an air fryer or bake it in the oven.

Ingredients:

1 medium cauliflower, broken into large florets (450g)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 50g butter (about 4 tbsp)
- 56g plain flour (about 4 tbsp)
- 250ml whole milk
- 250ml double cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 75g mature cheddar, grated
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Topping:
- 50g red Leicester cheese
- 50g cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Test a piece to ensure it’s cooked. Drain and transfer to an oven-proof dish.
For the cheese sauce, heat butter in a pan. Once melted, add the flour and stir to form a roux. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until thick.
Add Dijon mustard, remaining milk/cream, and nutmeg. Stir and cook until the sauce bubbles. Remove from heat and add grated cheddar cheese.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower in the baking dish, ensuring it’s fully coated. Top with red Leicester and cheddar cheese.
Air Frying: Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Nutrition: