This air fryer cauliflower cheese is a classic British side dish, perfect to accompany any roasted chicken, lamb, beef, pork, or turkey. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with tender cauliflower bathed in a cheesy sauce. Not only is it a low-carb side dish, but it’s also a great vegetarian option that’s sure to please anyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or a Sunday roast, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser.
The air-fryer makes this cauliflower cheese recipe even easier to prepare, and it’s ready in just ten minutes. The high heat in the air fryer creates a beautifully crispy golden-brown crust on top, making it feel like a rich, indulgent treat, without the lengthy cooking times required by traditional methods. It’s also a great way to save time when you’re preparing multiple dishes at once. The creamy sauce paired with the melted cheese makes this cauliflower cheese the perfect comforting side dish, ideal for those colder months when you crave something warm and satisfying.
For an extra special twist, try adding crispy bacon on top. You can cook the bacon in the air-fryer alongside the cauliflower for added flavour. The smokiness of the bacon complements the richness of the cheesy cauliflower and elevates the dish even further. You can also experiment with other toppings like breadcrumbs, herbs, or even a sprinkle of paprika for extra spice.
This air fryer cauliflower cheese is not only a wonderful addition to a roast dinner, but it’s also hearty enough to serve as a main dish on its own for a satisfying lunch. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that everyone will love!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10-12 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need a microwave, over proof dish and air fryer
Ingredients for air fryer cauliflower cheese
240g of cauliflower florets (You can by these pre cut, which is so much easier)
A store bought jar of cheese sauce (or you can make a simple roux sauce with added cheese)
A hand full of grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Worcester sauce
Seasoning
Method
Start by preparing your cauliflower. Chop it into evenly sized florets to ensure they cook at the same rate. Parboil the florets either on the hob in a pan of boiling water or in the microwave with a splash of water. This helps soften them slightly before baking. Cook for around five minutes until just tender, but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Next, transfer the cauliflower into an ovenproof dish. Before doing so, make sure the dish fits comfortably into your air fryer drawer. As you don’t want to find out it’s too big once everything’s ready to go!
Then pour over your cheese sauce, making sure all the florets are well coated. If you are short on time, using a ready-made jar of cheese sauce is a great shortcut and still tastes delicious. Once the cauliflower is smothered in the sauce, sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese on top. Cheddar works well, or try a mix of cheeses for extra flavour. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce over the top for a rich, savoury boost.
Place the dish into your air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for about 10 to 12 minutes. If, like me, you love a crispy golden top, turn your air fryer up to its highest setting (max crisp) for the final 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Once the top is bubbling and golden brown, carefully remove the hot dish from the air fryer basket. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving, as the cheese will be piping hot.
Finish with a light sprinkling of freshly chopped coriander leaves or parsley for a pop of colour and freshness. Serve your creamy, cheesy cauliflower as a comforting side or a hearty vegetarian main.
Tips for Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese
1. Parboil your cauliflower first
Cauliflower takes longer to soften in the air fryer, so it is best to parboil or steam the florets for about 4 to 5 minutes until just tender. This ensures a creamy interior without overcooking the cheese sauce.
2. Dry your florets thoroughly
After boiling, pat the cauliflower dry with kitchen paper. Excess moisture can lead to a watery sauce and prevent the top from browning properly.
3. Use an ovenproof dish
Choose a dish that fits snugly in your air fryer basket but still allows air to circulate. Ceramic or metal baking dishes work well for even cooking and browning.
4. Make a thick cheese sauce
A thicker béchamel-style cheese sauce clings better to the cauliflower and won’t run too thin in the air fryer. Use a strong cheddar or a mix of cheeses for extra flavour.
5. Add crunchy toppings
For extra texture, try sprinkling some breadcrumbs or grated cheese (or both!) over the top before air frying. This creates a golden, crispy crust.
6. Preheat your air fryer
Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes helps to get a head start on that bubbling, browned top.
7. Don’t overcrowd
Avoid stacking the cauliflower too tightly as it should be evenly coated in sauce and spread out so that the hot air can reach all sides.
8. Watch the top carefully
The air fryer tends to brown food very quickly. So if the top is browning too fast before the inside is even hot, then cover loosely with tin foil and continue cooking until heated all the way through.
Similar recipes
If you love this tasty air fryer cauliflower cheese you might also like my easy air fryer brussel sprouts or my classic air fryer pigs in blankets recipe.
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