Cauliflower cheese is an easy dish that blends in with any meal, be it meat, noodles, or rice. Turns out, it can be prepared as the perfect vegetarian holiday dish or comforting dinner in an air fryer for under 20 minutes. Here is how I make this cauliflower cheese in an air fryer the easy way.
Cauliflower Cheese In Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment paper of air fryer basket liner
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 large Cauliflower head
- 1 Broccoli stem
- 1½ cup Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cups Milk
- 50 g All purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Whole-grain mustard
- 50 g Unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Garlic granules
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start off by cutting the cauliflowers into small florets. Rinse them clean, drain, and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel. You can also leave them exposed to air, so they are dry when you cook them.
- Drizzle the olive oil on the cauliflower florets once they are dry. Add them to the bowl and season them with salt and pepper. Make sure all the florets are coated with oil.
- Now, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for 3 to 5 minutes. Once it is hot enough, transfer the florets into the air fryer basket and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure the florets are spread apart and not stacked on top of each other for effective convection and even crispy taste.
While the cauliflower is cooking, you can prepare the cheese sauce.
- Take a saucepan and melt the butter over medium to high heat. Once it is melted, add the flour and combine it into a smooth paste for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Now, gradually pour the milk into the saucepan and constantly whisk the mixture to prevent lumps. Do not underestimate this, as it will help you get smooth consistency.
- Add nuts, garlic granules, and whole-grain mustard to the paste and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once it starts to thicken, add the cheese (reserve some for later to be used as topping). Keep stirring the mixture until the mixture is thick and smooth enough to coat the spatula. Finally, remove it from the heat.
- At this time, the cauliflower should be cooked. Transfer it to the baking dish and pour the cheese mixture/ sauce over it. Toss the sauce around to make sure every floret is well coated with the sauce.
- Now, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the dish. Once again, place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius or when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on the top.
- Remove it from the air fryer, leave it to rest for some time, and serve it with your main dish. Enjoy the cheese cauliflower.
Nutritional Value of Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
Well, it is a nutritional dish, given that it includes different types of cheese and cauliflower florets. A serving of this cauliflower cheese consists of 551 calories, 23g carbs, 19g protein, 43 fat, 371 mg sodium, and 619 mg potassium.
Recipe Variations
There are many variations of the cauliflower cheese. Here are some hit ones you may like.
- Combine cauliflower with broccoli and give a twist to the traditional dish.
- Use different types of cheese like Gouda, blue cheese, and gruyere to get unique and distinct flavors.
- If you like a creamier cheese sauce, use half milk and half-cream ratio for it.
FAQs
What to Serve these Cauliflower Cheese with?
The cauliflower cheese is good to go on its own, but it can also be served with almost everything. Some of my favorite servings with this cauliflower cheese include salt-crusted baked potatoes, air fryer parmesan chicken, air fryer pork steak, and air fryer pork roast.
Can I Store this Cauliflower Cheese?
Yes, of course; you can refrigerate the cauliflower cheese in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it, just remove it from the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. I would not recommend storing it any longer in the freezer, as it really disturbs the cauliflower texture.
Have You Tried It?
Use this recipe as a reference to make cauliflower cheese in an air fryer, packed with flavors. You can always add or remove ingredients and dips for a twist. So, give it a shot on the weekend brunch, and you will love it.
